Draft 2

Wakefield (2010) observed that sources from International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ranked countries based on internet connectivity, where the more economically developed countries are the most connected. Reports from the New America Foundation (NAF) also showed that the internet usage of a nation was not proportionately represented as the rural areas tend to have lesser internet access and usage. Thus, the less developed countries in Europe tried to increase their countries' access to internet by providing wifi infrastructure to their suburban villages. This helped some villagers to improve their lives socially, economically and culturally.

According to Wakefield (2010), many countries are improving their communications technology in order to improve their countries economically ranking. However, providing just the necessary advance in technology may not be enough to increase connectivity of a country. It is also important that people are able to the use of technology. Without the necessary knowledge, technology is just a word with no meaning. However, in the right hands, technology can help to improve and even save lives. This shows the importance of education as it allow people to use technology more competently so as to improve connectivity. Although this aspect is very important, not all countries can attain that level of education to work these technologies due to several problems they face.

Many developing countries in the world face problems financing education for technology. For these countries, their main priority would be basic necessities such as food, shelter as well as healthcare for their citizens. According to The African Economist (2013), in several parts of Africa, illiteracy rates are high as 90% as many are being denied from basic educations due to lack to monetary capabilities. The government did not intervene as they are busy handling basic necessities like food to its citizens. Without educations, the citizens will not be able to effectively use these technology to their advantage. This would greatly hinder the bridging the technological gap between countries.

Wakefield (2010) reported that there was a digital divide even within a country. Even though Singapore is a highly connected country, this problem is still prevalent. Singapore is experiencing an aging population where the population from the 1970s are aging. This causes a digital gap between the old generation and the current generation Y. The older generation are less prone to changes and are unwilling to learn about the new technology. This makes it difficult to bridge them with the younger generation and would greatly hinder the bridging the technological gap within countries.

In a nutshell, although it is important to focus on the distribution of technology within countries, education is also a must in order for technology to be effectively utilised. Though this, many developing countries increase their connectivity within the nation, thereby narrowing the technological gap between countries.  

References: 

Wakefield, J. (2010, March 19). World wakes up to digital divide. BBC News. Retrieved September 09, 2014, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8568681.stm.

The African Economist .(2013, July 6). 

Ranking of African Countries By Literacy Rate: Zimbabwe No. 1. Retrieved September 09, 2014 , from http://theafricaneconomist.com/ranking-of-african-countries-by-literacy-rate-zimbabwe-no-1/#.VA8GkPmSxgI