There are some who feel that the digital divide has been breached, and everyone who wants access to the Internet can have it without problem.
There are some who feel that the digital divide has been breached, and everyone who wants access to the Internet can have it without problem. That is certainly not the case, as with nearly one-third of Americans, most notably Americans in low-income communities, minority communities, older Americans, the disabled and other groups with limited access. The good thing is that the Federal Communications Commission is considering recommendations that would help bring broadband communications to more of the country. That doesn’t mean that there is unanimity about how to go about making rules that govern the business of the Internet. While the FCC is to be commended for tackling the thorny issue, which has evaded quick resolution over the years, the industry is balking at some of the provisions, specifically those designed to apply to the wireless industry. Most of the Internet carriers – and there are only a few – have agreed with the FCC’s recommendations regarding wired access. Those are the providers who bring cable, telephone and other devices into homes. They have invested in the wiring and built out systems at great expense, but they also recognize that those areas are not the growth areas. It is the wireless world that shows the most potential for growth, and, historically, the most innovation. Wireless has become the great equalizer, as people are able to access the Internet from cell phones, laptops and notebooks. While some FCC recommendations call for “regulation” of the industry, it may indeed be an industry that doesn’t need regulation. Regulation of technology is the quickest way to retard its growth and to chill the innovation. That regulation would prohibit some Internet providers from making money on their investments. With no incentive to invest, investment will cease, not something you want in the realm of technology. Why is this such a big deal to Black people? Because we cannot afford to have access to the Internet restricted in any way. Increasingly, access to the Internet will become the standard for sharing information, for education and for conducting business. Those who don’t have access will not have access to what America has to offer. Certainly, there is an educational component to this. There is Internet access and then there is effective Internet access. Accessing the Internet to only download music or videos is a waste of the technology. But e-commerce is rapidly becoming the de-facto mode of doing business, and few people do research of any kind without using the Internet. We applaud the FCC for seeking to extend Internet access to all Americans. It is long overdue. But we worry about the effect of excessive regulation on an industry that should be allowed to grow. Without that promise of growth, providers will start cutting back on their offerings, which means those who need access most will be cut out. This is not the time for restricting technology.
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