Our Digital Divide gets a just bit narrower

This editorial ran on Nov. 10, 2011 in the Yakima Herald-Republic

Economic disparities play out in many ways, and one 21st-century issue is access to computers in general and the Internet in particular. Cash-strapped families can't always come up with the money for a computer and broadband service, even in areas where the latter is available.

For certain families, an effort announced Wednesday could provide a giant step toward closing what is known as the Digital Divide.

The Federal Communications Commission is teaming up with several computer companies to offer discounted broadband Internet and computers to low-income families. Charter, a key cable TV and Internet provider in the Yakima Valley, is one of the companies taking part in an FCC outreach program called Connect to Compete.

Families that take part in the National School Lunch Program will be eligible to get broadband Internet service for $9.95 a month for two years. Microsoft will sell personal computers with its Office program for $250 to qualifying families; Redemtech, a national company that among other things recycles computers, will offer refurbished PCs for $150.

The Connect to Compete program will try to reach parents through community groups and school parent-teacher associations. Microsoft and Best Buy also plan to offer "digital literacy" training for consumers.

This could provide a major boost to Yakima Valley families, where there is an already-documented trend of young Latinos using cell phones for Internet access. Many cite affordability in doing so. Of course, in this Valley and in this economy, financial struggles are not the province of any one ethnic group.

Connect to Compete dovetails with a separate effort by the Northwest Open Access Network, a nonprofit telecommunications company that is overseen by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. NoaNet, which supplies services to Internet service providers and cable TV companies, has received two federal grants totaling more than $138 million to enhance broadband speed statewide. About $5 million of that will be used in the Yakima Valley.

Internet access in recent years has morphed from a novelty to a luxury to a necessity. More and more companies, government agencies and schools are making transactions online. Those individuals seeking a job, the best prices for goods, necessary information from an entity or taking school classes increasingly need to do so online.

We hope qualifying families get the word about these services, which find government and business working together to identify a need and taking welcome steps to fill it.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Sharon J. Prill, Bob Crider, Frank Purdy and Karen Troianello.