Abstract
With broadband Internet connectivity progressing, the focus of attention has shifted to those left behind. The shorthand word for this concern is the classic “digital divide.” Underlying virtually every discussion about a gap in broadband penetrations is the implicit assumption that overcoming such a divide is a priority (Meschi et al., 2004; Crandall et al., 2007). But maybe we first should pause for a moment and understand the implications of ending this divide. If we do that, we might end up changing our perspective on Internet policy in an important way: away from a focus on broadband Internet connectivity, and towards universal connectivity and the creation of E-transactions, E-commerce, and E-content.
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Noam, E. (2009). Why Broadband Internet Should Not Be the Priority for Developing Countries. In: Lehr, W., Pupillo, L. (eds) Internet Policy and Economics. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/b104899_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/b104899_5
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