In Jamaica, those with no or limited access to the Internet and related services tend to be from among poorer sections of the society, living in rural areas or inner-city communities. So why are the poor the ones mostly affected by the digital divide? In Jamaica, as is true for other countries, the digital divide affects the poor for a multitude of reasons.

Inability to afford computers
The cost of computers is one reason why poorer Jamaicans are not able to access the Internet. Granted, all high schools now have computer labs, but a number of issues still prohibit the use of computers by some students in the poorer communities.

It has been found that it's primarily those students who already have access at home who gravitate toward using the equipment. Also, some schools have a fee component attached to the use of computer labs. This fee is a deterrent to students whose parents can hardly afford lunch money. However, the fees are necessary to help maintain the computers--it's a basic Catch-22 situation.

On the other hand there are cases where some schools in rural areas have made their computer labs available to the community.

Inability to afford telecommunication cost
Although the price of Internet connectivity and telephone rates has gone down, many are still unable to afford service. Average rates for Internet service now range from approximately J$1000 (US$16.00) per month to a J$4500 (US$70.00) for ADSL. Note: There are some packages that cost more.

Difficulty for telecommunication companies to set up in complicated terrain
Many of the island's poorest citizens live in rural areas where it can be problematic to set up the telephone infrastructure necessary for proper Internet access.

Unfortunately, even when telephone service is available in some areas, there is no availability of infrastructure for high-speed access. This places an additional cost burden on the poor who, if they can come up with the cash, are limited to dial-up service for their children.