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Bridging
the Digital Divide Can Yield Both Social and Monetary Benefits
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., January 10, 2001
- In order to bridge the Digital Divide that exists between those
who are able to get broadband Internet access and those who are
not, carriers must address the problem in a manner that will yield
profit, according to Cahners In-Stat Group (www.instat.com), a high-tech
market research firm.
In recent years, the Federal government
has called on industry to solve this problem, implying some sort
of social obligation. Cahners In-Stat Group believes that there
is a social benefit from aiding those who are automatically precluded
from broadband service due to economic status or geographic location
(i.e. rural locations), and for that matter, being the provider
to do so. However, reality suggests that there must be a greater
motivation to close the divide - specifically profit.
According to Daryl
Schoolar, ISP Industry Analyst at In-Stat, "If we want to close
the gap and truly make broadband available to anyone who wants it
regardless of where they live or what they earn, a viable business
model must be demonstrated to the service provider." There are many
companies who are altruistic enough to attack the problem as a matter
of social obligation. However, Schoolar believes that "It is more
realistic to address the problem by finding a clear path to profitability,
either in the short-term or long-term."
Cahners In-Stat Group advises service
providers to consider the following strategies to successfully and
profitably bridge the Divide:
- Work with current groups that are
already addressing the Digital Divide.
- Take advantage of already existing
local and national incentives to bridge the Divide.
- Use low cost equipment solutions.
The report, Digital
Divide (#IS0006MS), provides examples of service provider
and organizations successfully bridging the Divide, and strategies
that can be used profitably address this societal issue.
To purchase this report, or for more
information, please contact Matthew Woods at 617.630.2139; mwoods@instat.com.
The report price is $1,495 USD.
Cahners In-Stat Group also offers other
reports that relate to this topic:
Cahners In-Stat Group (http://www.instat.com)
covers the full spectrum of digital communications research from
vendor to end-user, providing the analysis and perspective that
allows technology vendors and service providers worldwide to make
more informed business decisions.
For more information,
contact:
Daryl Schoolar,
Industry Analyst - ISP Strategies
Phone: 480.609.4516
Email: dschoolar@instat.com
Kirsten Skedd,
Marketing Manager
Phone: 480.609.4534
Email: kskedd@instat.com
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