No abstract

This paper analyzes Internet diffusion among various organizations, based on daily observation of second-level domain name registrations under the ".it" ccTLD. In particular, we analyzed domain names registered by organizations in the non-profit sector. The penetration rate, calculated according to the number of organizations, was computed for various widely separated geographic levels (regions). A concentration analysis was performed in order to determine whether the geographical distribution of Internet use in Italy is less concentrated with respect to both the number of existing institutions and income distribution, suggesting a diffusive effect. Regression analysis was performed using demographic, social, economic and infrastructure indicators. Results show that a "social digital divide" exists, both in terms of geographical distribution (i.e., in macroareas -Northern, Central, and Southern Italy -and at the regional level) and in terms of the legal status of the organizations, and that this digital divide will probably decrease in the future. 157

This chapter analyzes the digital divide in Italy and the factors contributing to this situation at both the regional and provincial levels. To do this, we used the registration of Internet domains under the “.it” Country Code Top Level Domain as a proxy. In particular, we analyzed domain names registered by firms. The analysis produced interesting results: The distribution of domains registered by firms in Italian provinces is more concentrated than the distribution related to income and the number of firms, suggesting a diffusive effect. Furthermore, in order to analyze the factors that may contribute to the presence of a digital divide at the regional level, a regression analysis was performed using demographic, social, economic, and infrastructure indicators. The results show that Internet technology, far from being an “equalizer,” follows and possibly intensifies existing differences in economic opportunity in industrialized countries like Italy.