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Public internet access revisited

Author

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  • Simpson, Lyn
  • Daws, Leonie
  • Pini, Barbara

Abstract

In recent years the Australian government has dedicated considerable project funds to establish public Internet access points in rural and regional communities. Drawing on data from a major Australian study of the social and economic impact of new technologies on rural areas, this paper explores some of the difficulties rural communities have faced in setting up public access points and sustaining them beyond their project funding. Of particular concern is the way that economic sustainability has been positioned as a measure of the success of such ventures. Government funding has been allocated on the basis of these rural public access points becoming economically self-sustaining. This is problematic on a number of counts. It is therefore argued that these public access points should be reconceptualised as essential community infrastructure like schools and libraries, rather than potential economic enterprises.

Suggested Citation

  • Simpson, Lyn & Daws, Leonie & Pini, Barbara, 0. "Public internet access revisited," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 28(3-4), pages 323-337, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:telpol:v:28:y::i:3-4:p:323-337
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    Cited by:

    1. Srinuan, Chalita & Bohlin, Erik, 2011. "Understanding the digital divide: A literature survey and ways forward," 22nd European Regional ITS Conference, Budapest 2011: Innovative ICT Applications - Emerging Regulatory, Economic and Policy Issues 52191, International Telecommunications Society (ITS).

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