This article is helpful in understanding the digital divide, in that it doesn't treat folks without access as a monolith. Specifically, it considers "the needs, attitudes, and experiences of the low-income and minority communities that have been the focus of current initiatives" (p. 101). Access to technology is only one barrier; individuals must also have the skills to make effective use of that technology. The authors also examine economic opportunity and the democratic divide as part of the problem. There is a notable gap in skills development programs, and a significant barrier includes not only how to use the technology, but also how to "locate and evaluate information on the web" (p. 104).
This skill set is not isolated to folks without regular, reliable internet access; it is a weak spot that was well-targeted in the last presidential election, and it continues to be exploited by the Russians and Fox News. A reason for hope: UW has a class called "Calling Bullshit: Data Reasoning in a Digital World," and the content is available for free online: https://callingbullshit.org/syllabus.html
Notably, technology and its proper use don't just impact the have-nots, they are "tools for participation in the economy and the political area" (p. 105) and provide "positive externalities associated with economic growth and democratic governance" (p. 105). Essentially, internet access, paired with educated use, is a rising tide that lifts all boats. Further, the market is unlikely to provide these resources, and given their public good, it falls to "public subsidy or public provision" to "act in the public interest and to realize the additional social benefits" (p. 105). My cynical take: a more informed and critically engaged citizenry, while great for the country and communities, is a real problem for those who historically attempt to disenfranchise the poor and minority communities, either through voter suppression, poll taxes, disenrollment, or gerrymandering. I'm looking at you, Republicans.
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