This paper is published with the permission of the author Don Perlgut. The paper discusses the potentially looming “digital participation gap” in Australia, if concerted efforts are not commenced soon to make certain that poor, remote and vulnerable communities in Australia are not actively included in the fast internet roll-out. It examines the NBN Co roll-out timing and assumptions, analyses the characteristics of “non-adopters” and those at risk of not connecting to broadband internet, reviews two pilot “digital inclusion” initiatives (one in Australia and one in the USA), and makes a number of recommendations that will enhance digital inclusion efforts in Australia. More details on the author can be found at
http://donperlgut.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/digital-inclusion-challenges-for-australia/
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