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. 2012 Jun 23:2012:346.
eCollection 2012.

The digital divide: Trends in global mobile and broadband Internet access from 2000-2010

Charlene Ronquillo  1 , Leanne Currie
Affiliations

The digital divide: Trends in global mobile and broadband Internet access from 2000-2010

Charlene Ronquillo et al. NI 2012 (2012). .

Abstract

The digital divide is described as the gap between those who do and do not have access to digital information and communications technologies (ICT). ICTs are viewed as an indicator of infrastructure and potential for development, and are a growing platform for health information and services delivery. This study compares the penetration of mobile and broadband Internet technologies by global region from 2000 to 2010. Results illustrate the rapid growth of mobile cellular telephone subscriptions in all global regions with trends suggesting a continued increase. Little to modest gains were made in fixed broadband Internet subscriptions globally. There is a growing popularity of mobile subscriptions with use of data communications, exceeding the numbers of fixed Internet subscriptions. This comparison reveals current strengths that can be built on and highlights the importance of awareness of global trends and using such knowledge to inform design and delivery of ICT-based health services.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Mobile cellular telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Fixed (wired) broadband Internet subscriptions per 100 inhabitants from 2000–2010
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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