The term ‘networked nation’ was bandied about in 2010 with alarming regularity. Barely a month passed without government officials espousing the virtues of universal broadband and its associated economic and social benefits. But while many talked generalities and the promise of impressive data speeds, there were few who actually discussed roadmaps or key milestones. Even more alarming was the absence of education as a critical part in the rollout of universal broadband.

The balance between infrastructure and education needs to be readdressed in 2011; otherwise we risk millions upon millions of people remaining disenfranchised and ultimately disconnected. In this respect, the UK has started the year strongly with two key projects initiated by the country’s Digital Champion, Martha Lane Fox, as part of the Race Online 2012 campaign. The more critical of the two projects involves Ms. Fox working closely with local authorities to ensure they’re engaged with communities and effectively promoting the values and benefits of broadband connectivity.

Without question, this is an enormous task and requires local authorities to not only provision resources but also develop teams of digital champions who can effectively work with the nine million adults in the UK who have never used the Internet. In a previous post, I highlighted the virtues of this community approach or the ‘Big Society’ as the government calls it. The value of this approach has already been seen in 2010 with the enormous success of rural communities working together to build their own fibre networks. The big question is whether this community spirit can be transferred from rural environments to more urban areas where the challenge of education and outreach are significantly more difficult.

The second project I mentioned involves the distribution of low-cost computers and subsidised Internet connectivity. Ms. Fox hopes that by removing the economic barrier to online access, many people will take the first tentative steps towards embracing the benefits of broadband connectivity, especially in regards to training and employment. Current aims are to sell at least 8,000 computers within the first year and create a ripple effect within the community. This is a vital step if we’re ever to realise the promise of a networked nation.

There can be no doubt that the race for universal broadband is a gruelling marathon and not a fast sprint. Across the globe countries are adopting very different strategies to achieving the same aim: connectivity. What’s common are the two pieces that are mutually inclusive – infrastructure and education. How we get there is yet to be decided.

What are your thoughts on this topic? What are you seeing on a local level? Is your community connected? What challenges are you experiencing to bring your friends, relatives and neighbours online? I’d like to hear your thoughts.