Bridging the digital divide: The story of the Free Internet Initiative in LaGrange, Georgia

M. Keil, G. W. Meader, L. Kvasny

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper describes the Free Internet Initiative in LaGrange, Georgia: a program undertaken by the City of LaGrange to address the digital divide. In 2000, LaGrange became the first city in the world to provide broadband Internet access to every citizen. This research explores the history of the initiative and documents the achievements made as well as the challenges that city officials have faced in bridging the digital divide. Due to the nature of the initiative, the case study provides a good context for examining the limits of technology access. In particular, we note that in spite of some positive results, the Free Internet Initiative has failed to have the impact that policy makers had hoped for with respect to bridging the digital divide. The implications of the city's experience with the initiative are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 36th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2003
EditorsRalph H. Sprague
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)0769518745, 9780769518749
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003
Event36th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2003 - Big Island, United States
Duration: Jan 6 2003Jan 9 2003

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 36th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2003

Other

Other36th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2003
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBig Island
Period1/6/031/9/03

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Information Systems
  • Computer Science Applications

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