Digital Divide Network

08.10.2003 Last week, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced 128 awards totalling $53.7 million for rural tech-based economic development initiatives. The 84 distance learning and telemedicine grants, which total $32.4 million, are aimed to provide greater educational opportunities and medical service to rural citizens in 41 states.

03.10.2003 The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced the award of almost $14 million in Technology Opportunities Program (TOP) grants to 28 nonprofit organizations. The grants demonstrate how ICTs can address public concerns over areas such as economic development, housing, public safety, health and e-government.

02.10.2003 A new study suggests that children and young adults use cell phones and the Internet not just to fit in, but because it gives them a sense of accomplishment. Of those who created their own Web pages, 88 percent said they were proud of their abilities, and 82 percent believed they could easily learn how to use new technologies.

01.10.2003 A recent report finds that the impact of the digital divide has been declining in Latin America. Still, the divide within the region "is characterized by lack of effective access to the Internet by the lowest-income and most geographically remote populations," according to Venezuelan expert Victor Suarez.

01.10.2003 The UN ICT Task Force has launched the Digital Diaspora Network for Latin America and the Caribbean. This network will marshal the technological, entrepreneurial and professional expertise of Latin American expatriates in the United States to help bridge the digital divide in their native countries.