As discussed earlier in this and last year’s report (Rethinking the Dual Digital Divide, EKOS, 2001), after exposure and experience online people tend to attach more value to the Internet, and identify many ways that Internet use can meet a diverse set of needs. In fact, a majority of Canadians (both users and non-users) perceive moderate (50 per cent) or high importance (38 per cent) about the Internet.⁷

Differential levels of access to the Internet based on class continue to mirror that of other products and services in society. These patterns have not changed significantly over the past three years. Common barriers to many services for the public include class bringing in income and affordability), literacy, location, education and skills, gender and age. These inequalities are not anomalous, but reflect the long standing inequality of access to many products and services, as well as social and civic participation, in our society.⁸ In a comparison to other products and services, for example, while the number or magnitude may vary somewhat for each social segment, a similar general pattern of differential levels of access and participation was found and continues to that which has developed for the Internet.⁹

⁷ EKOS Research Associates Inc., 2001, Rethinking the Information Highway.
⁸ PIAC, The Dual Digital Divide, 2000, pp. 15-17.
⁹ PIAC, The Dual Digital Divide, 2000.