Secrets of the City

Wassenaar says closing the divide is about more than just basic computer skills. It’s about providing affordable broadband Internet access.

“There needs to be a multipronged approach to providing low-cost access to broadband connectivity, providing computer resources to people who have economic need and then providing training,” says Wassenaar.

Oh good.

Start with the boomers, gad they are scared of clicking the wrong thing. They think their machine is tied into norad or something.

How about a nice game of chess?

No. Global thermonuclear warfare.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WarGames
Great movie!

Wonder why the reporter did not interview Catherine Settani who
has led the effort to dissolve the digital divide and get free
community portals on Wi-Fi in Mpls…

http://www.digitalaccess.org/

Led? Not any easy job, I’m sure, but I’m disappointed in the progress thus far.

I think it’s as much about the hardware as it is about the broadband access. That’s why folks in developing nations are skipping right over computers and going directly to mobile solutions for internet access. The way our muni wifi project is structured, the broadband access is the easier part to address.

Why would anyone think that the government should take care of giving everyone the same wireless internet access, like those that can afford it through private occupation? I doesn’t make sense for bring about this fantasy notion that in order to close the digital gap, we must have more government intervention in order to suit others.

BTW, do you know in South Korea that boot camps and mental wards are available for those that are addicted with computers, connected with free internet access?

It’s not that complicated or exclusive.

1. Sell your rims and/or amp/woofer and/or plasma TV.
2. Buy a $500 notebook.
3. Buy a coffee at Brueggers or Panera.
4. Sit down, open notebook, crack and/or flex fingers.

Amazing, no government program needed.

The digital divide issue won’t be solved without true Net Neutrality. Without the competition that brings about lower prices and less restricted access we can only expect the divide to widen. The government sanctioned regional monopolies in the communications industries are an anvil thrown to a drowning consumer.

The health care issue won’t be solved without true market reform. Without the competition that brings about lower prices and less restricted access we can only expect the problem to worsen. The government monopolies in the health care provider industry are an anvil thrown to a drowning consumer.

I like commonsense’s comment better….

The report (DIGITAL JUSTICE: Progress towards Digital Inclusion in Minnesota) is a year old. MPR should check it’s facts.