As more and more information becomes available on the Internet, there arises the question of how many persons have access to it and who is excluded. If we compare the phenomenon of the Internet with the beginning of printing, the lack of access to the Internet might be seen as analagous to illiteracy, which still rules persons out of participation in important parts of our society. If one does not have access to the Internet through one's employment or educational institution, the cost of the equipment required and the monthly service charges places the Internet well beyond reach of many citizens. Surveys suggest that around 10% of U. S. citizens currently have access to the Internet.