Study Objectives
The first objective of this year’s study is to provide tracking
data on the status of Internet usage and location of usage/access trends.
The second objective is to provide a better understanding of the reasons
why a significant number of Canadians still do not use the Internet, including
a detailed analysis of key non-user subgroups. The third and final objective
is to analyse and provide appropriate next steps to enhance those initiatives
working to make Canada the most connected nation in the world.
To achieve these objectives the study subdivides digital divide trends
into tier one and tier two digital divides. The tier one divide addresses
Internet usage, without consideration of access location. This is followed
by a detailed analysis breaking down the reasons why some Canadians do
not use the Internet. This year’s study further divides the “near
user” and “far user” typologies introduced in previous
Dual Digital Divide reports to incorporate considerations of
past experience with the Internet.
Tracking trends in location of usage/access, the tier two digital divide
identifies those primary access points that play a central role in determining
Internet uptake. The tier two digital divide also examines issues of type
of access available to households and the emerging divide between those
households with high-speed home access and those who must rely on less
efficient dial-up home access.
Definitions
There are important, though subtle, differences between considerations
of Internet usage and Internet access. All those who have used the Internet
in the past three months — Internet users —have Internet access
from home, work or elsewhere. Those with Internet access, however, are
not necessarily Internet users themselves and may leave usage to other
household members.
- For the purposes of this study, Internet users are individuals who
have used the Internet from home, work or elsewhere in the past three
months.
- Households with Internet access are defined as those households who
currently have access to the Internet at home.
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