Despite the tremendous progress in information technology, a significant number of communities in developed and underdeveloped countries remain disconnected and suffer from inadequate access.

With the growing prevalence of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in everyday life, a number of scholars, policy makers, and community activists have asked how these new technologies might play a role in furthering the goals of community development, while policymakers at various governance scales have viewed ICTs as possible tools for advancing the cause of democracy and civil society.

It has been well documented that this digital divide corresponds with longstanding patterns of social and economic inequality. As a result, strategies to equitably distribute digital technology may need to be seamlessly incorporated into urban and social service delivery systems. This will assure that existing patterns of social isolation are not further exacerbated by inadequate access to available technology.

As we look to the future of California, and indeed the nation, it is clear that equitable access to technology will become the fundamental cornerstone of our economic and community development.

This research and publication were made possible by a grant from the Community Partnership Committee through its Applied Research Initiative on access to telecommunications services in California’s underserved communities, with support from the Community Technology Foundation of California.

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