Digital divide in Brazil: Origins and social consequences.

This paper analyzes the roots of the divide that now exists in Brazil between those who have the resources and ability to use the Internet and its related technologies, and those who don't. This chasm, termed the digital divide, has been a matter of concern in developed countries such as the United States. Developing countries, such as Brazil, which have experienced tremendous growth during the last half of the twentieth century, have only recently begun to investigate this disparity. The origins of the divide in Brazil are closely tied to the erratic development and deployment of communication technologies like basic telephone service, and policies favoring the southern regions of the country. These economic developments have lead to a clear technological divide along racial, economic and regional lines. Data demonstrating the divide along these lines are presented, along with information on governmental, civic and non-profit movements targeting the digital gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]