Mercedes divide
Encyclopedia
The phrase "Mercedes divide" was spoken by Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) Chairman Michael Powell
at the initiation of his chairmanship. He used the phrase as his response to a question posed about the digital divide
, which refers to the gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology and those with very limited or no access at all.
The statement took place during a press conference in which he stated "I think there is a Mercedes
divide. I would like to have one, but I can't afford one." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/CCha.
The short quip
suggests Powell believed that computer and internet access was more a luxury than a necessity. In the full context of his response, however, Powell felt elaborated that the digital divide should be addressed by the agency without harming the "early stages of innovation" with what he considered unnecessary regulation.http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/03/what-did-he-mean-by-that-mercedes-divide-fcc-chief-now-top-cable-lobbyist.ars
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, created, Congressional statute , and with the majority of its commissioners appointed by the current President. The FCC works towards six goals in the areas of broadband, competition, the spectrum, the...
(FCC) Chairman Michael Powell
Michael Powell (politician)
Michael Kevin Powell is an American Republican politician and lobbyist. He is the incoming president of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association . He was appointed to the Federal Communications Commission by President Bill Clinton on 3 November 1997. President George W. Bush designated...
at the initiation of his chairmanship. He used the phrase as his response to a question posed about the digital divide
Digital divide
The Digital Divide refers to inequalities between individuals, households, business, and geographic areas at different socioeconomic levels in access to information and communication technologies and Internet connectivity and in the knowledge and skills needed to effectively use the information...
, which refers to the gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology and those with very limited or no access at all.
The statement took place during a press conference in which he stated "I think there is a Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes-Benz is a division of its parent company, Daimler AG...
divide. I would like to have one, but I can't afford one." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/CCha.
The short quip
Wit
Wit is a form of intellectual humour, and a wit is someone skilled in making witty remarks. Forms of wit include the quip and repartee.-Forms of wit:...
suggests Powell believed that computer and internet access was more a luxury than a necessity. In the full context of his response, however, Powell felt elaborated that the digital divide should be addressed by the agency without harming the "early stages of innovation" with what he considered unnecessary regulation.http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/03/what-did-he-mean-by-that-mercedes-divide-fcc-chief-now-top-cable-lobbyist.ars