Who doesn't have the internet? WHO, WHAT, WHY? The Magazine answers...
Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8057158.stm Published: 2009/05/19 17:15:26 GMT People without access to the web are losing out on cheap rail fares available online, say MPs. But in this digital age who isn't online? When putting our hands in our pockets, surfing the internet for a good deal is second nature to a lot of people. But rail companies have come under attack from MPs for making the cheapest rail fares most easily available online. The Public Accounts Committee says cheap rail travel should be universally available, and those without internet access have difficulty finding the best deals. But in this age of digital technology, who doesn't have access at home to the internet? A far from insignificant quarter of all adults, according to the official statistics body. Some of those will use the net at work but many are retired. According to 2008 figures, 70% of those aged 65 or over had never been online - a figure which dropped to a third for those aged between 55 and 64. But age is not the only deterrent. Educational background also has a stark bearing. Figures from last year show 93% of those with a degree or higher level qualification has home internet access - a figure which drops to 56% of those who have don't have formal qualifications. WHO DOESN'T HAVE INTERNET: THE ANSWER # Most of those aged 65 and over # Almost half of those with no qualifications # Some of those in the most isolated parts of the UK Women are also notably less likely to have net access than men, according to Office for National Statistics figures. While 29% of women have never used the internet, the same is only true for 20% of men. But the offline numbers are falling. Two million more adults accessed the internet in 2008 than a year earlier. And not all the internet "have nots" are unwillingly so. When asked why they didn't have the internet almost 60% said they didn't need it or want. Twenty-seven percent cited the cost of equipment or internet access as too high while 15% thought they didn't have the requisite skills. But it's not just social and economic conditions. Geography can also be a factor. Increasingly access to broadband, rather than just an online dial-up connection, is seen as a key to "digital inclusion" - the government's term for easy access to broadband and other digital communication technologies. While residents of rural areas are more likely to have high-speed internet connections than their city-dwelling counterparts, some of the most isolated parts of the UK are yet to get broadband access. In June last year, the Scottish government announced plans to wire up 3,800 households and businesses for broadband. Last month it announced its 1,500th broadband installation. One campaigner for "digital inclusion" says we shouldn't fall into the trap of thinking that internet access has become universal. "It's a complete misconception that we are all online now," says John Fisher of Citizen Online. "Millions of people have no access or experience of the internet. Reasons vary, often they are older people or those who work in traditional industries and don't sit at a desk in an office all day. Also, for those on a low income cost can be a barrier." "Digital equity is tied up with social equity and digital inclusion is a matter that matters, not just for individuals but for wider economic and social goals," says Helen Milner, managing director of UK Online Centres, which provides people with access to computers. The government is planning to launch a digital inclusion action plan this year and appoint a high-profile digital champion to raise the profile of the issue. They also agree that companies who offer their best deals on the internet are excluding many people. "It's disappointing that companies offer better deals exclusively online instead of their websites complimenting what they offer elsewhere," says Mr Fisher. "It's often the people who don't have internet access who would benefit the most from such deals." -- ================================ George Antunes, Political Science Dept University of Houston; Houston, TX 77204 Voice: 713-743-3923 Fax: 713-743-3927 Mail: antunes at uh dot edu *********************************** * POST TO MEDIANEWS@ETSKYWARN.NET * *********************************** Medianews mailing list Medianews@etskywarn.net http://lists.etskywarn.net/mailman/listinfo/medianews
