introduction

The following report provides an update of key Internet usage and access indicators, with a specific focus on examining those sub-groups that are the least likely to be connected to the Internet. From EKOS’ substantial tracking data in this area, the report provides a multi-year perspective, reviewing changes in Internet access levels and the digital divide over time, identifying emerging social policy and governance issues from these larger trends.

The first section of the report provides tracking information that updates overall access levels and, non-user access barriers. Building on the findings of the earlier study’s, the Dual Digital Divide (2000) and Rethinking the Dual Digital Divide (2001), a summary analysis is provided on overall access trends and, the changes and trends the three main non-user segments identified in the Dual Digital Divide.

The next section provides detailed sub-group analysis. Following the analysis of the Rethinking the Dual Digital Divide (2001) study, tracking analysis is provided on unconnected Canadians in the categories of: low income; unemployed; seniors; gender; type of job; education; and region. As demonstrated in previous research, these subgroups are either faced with particular challenges for connectivity, or are overrepresented in the unconnected population.

Section Three, Rethinking Social Policy, Governance and Community with the Digital Divide, reviews the current state of the digital divide and some of the important ways that the public is using and deriving value from the Internet. Analysis also explores the mutuality of online content and how content can meet a duality of needs for the public. Analysis on community organizations as intermediaries demonstrates the potential of the Internet as a resource for addressing digital divide issues, as well as for integrating social relationships and facilitating the development of social infrastructure, social capital and social cohesion. Emphasizing the need to focus on social relations, instead of technology, discussion involves the potential and limitations for using the Internet as a resource in social and economic development.

Appendix A contains the detailed results and tables from the regression analysis used for this study.