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01/04/2005
National 'go digital' strategy aims to close divide
An action plan aimed at closing the digital divide, including a national "digital challenge" for a region to give universal online access to local public services by 2008, was unveiled by the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry today.
There is some concern that in the UK a digital divide is forming with some groups largely excluded from the benefits of access to the internet. The reasons quoted include cost, lack of confidence or skills in using computers, and relevance of the technology.
On the back of the strategy outlined in 'Connecting the UK: the strategy for a Digitally Rich Nation' the government has unveiled a seven point strategic plan promoting:
"We aim to make the UK a world leader in digital excellence with public services that are even more responsive, personalised and efficient than the leading companies that have successfully deployed the internet to serve their customers.
"We are committed to ending the digital divide for families with children, and the Prime Minister's strategy Unit and DTI, in partnership with industry aim to make the UK a world leader in digital excellence and the first nation to close the digital divide."
The Government is committed to improving accessibility to technology for the digitally excluded and ease of use for the disabled. According to recent government figures, 99% of the population will have access to broadband by the third quarter this year.
The rate of broadband adoption has already exceeded the rates of adoption seen for mains electricity, colour TVs and mobile phones.
(SP/KMcA)
There is some concern that in the UK a digital divide is forming with some groups largely excluded from the benefits of access to the internet. The reasons quoted include cost, lack of confidence or skills in using computers, and relevance of the technology.
On the back of the strategy outlined in 'Connecting the UK: the strategy for a Digitally Rich Nation' the government has unveiled a seven point strategic plan promoting:
- A 'digital challenge' prize to be awarded to a local authority and its partners to give universal on line access to local public services;
- A commitment to give all students the opportunity to access ICT at home through a low-cost national PC leasing scheme;
- Working with the IT industry to create the safest possible online environment, backed by the police, charities, and the industry;
- Further steps towards closing the digital divide by building on the network of UK Online centres and other communal high-tech access points;
- Creating the right environment to stimulate broadband content, particularly in public procurement;
- A focus on public service delivery via modern technology and a strategy to achieve this goal;
- A broadband regulatory strategy from Ofcom to look at the prospects for home broadband take up;
"We aim to make the UK a world leader in digital excellence with public services that are even more responsive, personalised and efficient than the leading companies that have successfully deployed the internet to serve their customers.
"We are committed to ending the digital divide for families with children, and the Prime Minister's strategy Unit and DTI, in partnership with industry aim to make the UK a world leader in digital excellence and the first nation to close the digital divide."
The Government is committed to improving accessibility to technology for the digitally excluded and ease of use for the disabled. According to recent government figures, 99% of the population will have access to broadband by the third quarter this year.
The rate of broadband adoption has already exceeded the rates of adoption seen for mains electricity, colour TVs and mobile phones.
(SP/KMcA)
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