GeneralBridging the Digital Divide for Internet Equality

In today’s tech-driven world, having a reliable internet connection is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

In this article, I’ll delve into why ensuring affordable and accessible internet for all should be a top priority for us as a country.

Digital disparity is real

Many assume that broadband internet is readily available to all Australians, but the truth is quite different. Data from RMIT show that 11 per cent of Australians – about 2.8 million people – are “highly excluded” from digital services, meaning they do not have access to affordable internet or don’t know how to use it. That doesn’t even account for those with slow or unstable connections. This digital gap has long-standing roots, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more glaring than ever.

When we talk about the digital divide, we refer to the gap between those who have access to high-speed internet and those who do not. High-speed internet, or broadband, is essential for various aspects of modern life, including education, work, healthcare, and social interaction but not all Australians have equal access to this vital resource.

Access to broadband internet varies significantly depending on factors such as location, income, and race. In urban areas and affluent communities, access to high-speed nbn internet at home is generally widespread. However, in rural and low-income areas, many individuals and families struggle to connect to the digital world. This divide isn’t just about having or not having internet access; it’s about the quality and reliability of that access.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic forced people around the world to rely heavily on the internet for various aspects of their daily lives. Work, education, healthcare, socialisation, and even grocery shopping shifted to online platforms.

While this transition was challenging for many, it underscored the importance of internet access. Broadband internet, once considered a convenience, became an absolute necessity.

With the sudden and widespread shift to online activities, the existing digital divide became more apparent and problematic. Those with limited or no access to high-speed internet faced significant barriers to participation in remote work and learning, telehealth services, and other essential online activities. This highlighted the urgent need to address digital disparities.

The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just expose the digital divide; it exacerbated it. Access to high-speed internet should be viewed as a basic need in our connected society, similar to access to clean water and electricity.

However, this need is often overlooked and not given the attention it deserves in public health discussions.

Internet as a basic necessity

In today’s world, internet access has become as essential as access to basic utilities like water and electricity. It’s not merely a tool for entertainment or convenience; it’s a fundamental resource that connects individuals to vital services and opportunities in jobs, education, healthcare and information.

The internet plays a crucial role in the job market. Many job applications, interviews and remote work rely on a stable internet connection. During the pandemic, when many businesses shifted to remote work, those without reliable internet access were left at a severe disadvantage.

The pandemic forced schools and educational institutions to adopt online learning. Students of all ages, from primary school to higher education, needed internet access to attend classes, complete assignments, and access educational resources. Without it, many students faced interruptions in their education.

Telehealth, or remote healthcare services, became a lifeline during the pandemic. People relied on virtual doctor’s appointments and consultations to receive medical care without risking exposure to the virus. However, those without internet access couldn’t access these essential services.

The internet is a primary source of information on various topics, including news, health guidelines and government updates. During a crisis like the pandemic, staying informed is crucial for making informed decisions and staying safe.

Despite the clear importance of internet access, addressing the digital divide remains a complex challenge, and it often takes a back seat in public health discussions.

Communities in crisis

Access to the internet isn’t equal across the board. Low-income households, Indigenous communities and rural areas face even greater disparities. The digital divide isn’t just about access; it’s also about the quality of that access.

One significant aspect of the digital divide is the divide between urban and rural areas. While many urban areas enjoy widespread access to high-speed internet, rural communities often struggle to access reliable broadband services. The reasons for this divide are multifaceted.

Infrastructure plays a significant role. Building the necessary infrastructure for broadband internet in rural areas can be costly and logistically challenging. As a result, internet service providers are often less inclined to invest in these areas, leaving residents with limited or no options for broadband access.

Another critical aspect of the digital divide is the disparity in income levels. Access to high-speed internet is often associated with affordability. While some households can afford high-speed broadband plans, others must opt for slower, less reliable options or go without internet altogether.

The cost of broadband plans varies widely across Australia, and those with lower incomes often find themselves priced out of reliable internet access. In some cases, households are forced to choose between paying for internet or other essential expenses like food and utilities.

Health implications

The lack of internet access can lead to negative health outcomes as internet access is vital for health care delivery, health literacy and public health efforts.

Telehealth, which involves remote medical consultations, became a crucial tool during the pandemic. However, those without reliable internet access couldn’t access these services. This lack of access led to disparities in healthcare, with some individuals unable to receive medical attention when needed.

Internet access is essential for health literacy. Many people rely on online resources to understand health conditions, access medical information, and make informed decisions about their health. Without internet access, individuals may have limited access to health-related knowledge.

Internet access is significant for public health prevention and surveillance efforts. Public health departments use online and digital strategies for social marketing, contact tracing, and health education. These efforts are crucial for monitoring and preventing the spread of diseases.

Advocate for change

We can all play a role in advocating for digital equity. Contact your local representatives, vote for those who support digital inclusion and participate in coalitions and task forces. Building alliances between state agencies, nonprofits, and corporations is crucial to secure funding and resources.

Advocacy efforts locally could include community organising to drive policy change. When communities come together to highlight the importance of internet access, they can exert pressure on policymakers to take action.

Volunteering to provide training and education on digital literacy is another way to contribute. Building digital literacy skills complements efforts to expand broadband access.

Increasing research relating to digital equity and evaluating strategies to improve it is also a form of advocacy. Research helps us understand the impact of digital connectivity on health and wellbeing.

A holistic approach to digital equity

Achieving digital equity goes beyond providing access; it also includes making it affordable. Affordable internet plans and subsidies are essential to ensure that everyone can connect.

Creating inclusive technologies is another aspect. Ensuring that internet services and platforms are accessible to individuals with disabilities and those with limited digital literacy is crucial.

Enhancing people’s digital literacy is a vital component of digital equity. Providing training and resources to help individuals navigate the online world empowers them to make the most of their internet access.

International lessons

We could take a lesson from other nations that have invested much more heavily in building out broadband infrastructure across their countries.

Sweden, for example, set the goal of having 98% of their population being connected to broadband internet – with a minimum speed of 1 Gbps – by the year 2025. Their national broadband plan includes public and private efforts to expand infrastructure for broadband with government investment and to provide incentives for private companies that include accountability measures.

Achieving digital equity calls for an ecological, systemic approach that involves many facets of our society, including public health and health care. Some have called digital equity “a civil rights issue of our day.”

Yet access to the internet in Australia is often overlooked in our discussions and agendas pertaining to health equity.

Collectively, we can help close the digital gaps in multiple ways, including digital equity in our organisation’s strategic plans and on our advocacy agendas, partnering with communities and organisations to provide solutions for improving access and digital literacy, and contributing to the growing research that explores the impact of digital connectivity on health and wellbeing.

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