Bridging the digital divide

Most of us think the digital divide is the gap between the technology "haves" and "have-nots," presumably white, wealthy, and urban Americans with computers and Internet access on the one hand and minority, poor, and rural Americans who lack computers and web access on the other. But we need to look closer. The digital divide actually involves a more diverse group, with a wider geographic spread, and has potentially greater impacts on the quality of life and economy of entire communities. Planners need to know about the issues and the unique roles they can play in bridging the gap.