The Great Digital Divide is something close to my heart. Although this article “Why every Australian family needs the internet” (SMH) relies on Australian stats and drew on Aussie examples but the effects of this digital have and have-not applies to every other countries.

People without access to the internet are so disadvantaged in today’s world. Without the Internet, you cannot get access to latest news and information, ideas and networking opportunities. Without the Internet, you will not have access to the best pricing for similar product or services, pay extra silly service fees or receive better services.

Fortunately, the company I work for – Microsoft has made a commitment to make technology more accessible and more affordable for more people. The company believes that every individual should have the opportunity to have access to basic resources - resources that enable people to learn more, see more and do more. Check out Microsoft Australia Corporate Citizenship home page to find what programs the company is doing to give back to the communities within which it operates.

Extract from “Why every Australian family needs the internet”

“Imagine a country where the children of poor families are denied textbooks at home. Where they can't look up words in a dictionary or the latest facts and figures in an encyclopaedia. Where children of the rich have access to the best libraries and the best education, while others are excluded.

Where finding the best jobs depends on how much money you have. Where the well-to-do have privileged entree to shops and are offered the best deals, while others pay top price.

You're living in it.

A digital divide has become entrenched in Australia in the past decade, splitting the nation into internet "haves" and "have-nots" and creating a new cyber underclass.”