By Joan Alford

A new report published by the Benton Foundation, in association with the National Urban League, explains why low-income communities are lagging in computer and Internet skills.

The report reveals poorer communities lack the tools, training and interest in the Web.

"Losing Ground Bit by Bit: Low-Income Communities in the Information Age," defines the problem, discusses roadblocks the poor face in getting on the information superhighway, gives examples of those who are beating the odds and lists resources for assistance.

The report backs its findings with statistics from studies by universities, foundations and the federal government. The study team also interviewed experts who translate cold facts into plain talk.

The study tempers widespread excitement about the Internet with the bare fact that 28 percent of households with annual earnings of $13,000 or less can't afford basic telephone service, much less modems and computers to go online.

Internet access through public facilities such as schools and libraries also is limited in poor communities. These areas often are the last to receive training and to get computer hardware and software for Internet access.

Experts interviewed for the report predict the poor may only get poorer without Internet skills. They say that by the year 2000, 60 percent of all jobs will require Internet technology-related skills.

Joan Alford can be reached at
jeapj@mindspring.com