In his first news conference after his appointment January 22 as chair of the Federal Communications Commission, Michael Powell expressed skepticism about his agency’s role in addressing the “digital divide,” the disparity between computer and Internet use by the rich and poor.
“The term sometimes is dangerous in the sense that it suggests that the minute a new and innovative technology comes to market there is a divide unless it’s equitably distributed among every part of the society,” Powell, the son of Secretary of State Colin Powell, said February 6.
Even though the wealthy will be the first to afford new technologies such as digital television sets or computers when they come to market, that doesn’t necessarily translate to a divide, said Powell. If so, he added, “I think there is a Mercedes divide. I’d like to have one.”
Powell also indicated that the agency would place a greater emphasis on deregulation regarding broadcasters and telephone and cable companies, the Associated Press reported. The FCC oversees the universal-service e-rate program providing telecommunications discounts for libraries and schools.
Posted February 12, 2001.