Concrete Examples of The Global Digital Divide
In the early 21st century, residents of First World countries enjoy many Internet services which are not yet widely available in Third World countries, including:
- In tandem with the above point, mobile phones and small electronic communication devices;
- E-communities and social-networking;
- Fast broadband Internet connections, enabling advanced Internet applications;
- Affordable and widespread Internet access, either through personal computers at home or work, through public terminals in public libraries and Internet cafes, and through wireless access points;
- E-commerce enabled by efficient electronic payment networks like credit cards and reliable shipping services;
- Virtual globes featuring street maps searchable down to individual street addresses and detailed satellite and aerial photography;
- Online research systems like LexisNexis and ProQuest which enable users to peruse newspaper and magazine articles that may be centuries old, without having to leave home;
- Electronic readers such as Kindle, Sony Reader, Samsung Papyrus and Iliad by iRex Technologies;
- Price engines like Google Shopping which help consumers find the best possible online prices, and similar services like ShopLocal which find the best possible prices at local retailers;
- Electronic services delivery of government services, such as the ability to pay taxes, fees, and fines online.
- Further civic engagement through e-government and other sources such as finding information about candidates regarding political situations.
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