The Digital Divide
Blog #7
The Digital Divide
The digital divide affects a significant number of people in the U.S. Millions of Americans still do not have broadband access, or can’t afford it, making it extremely difficult to get properly functioning internet. The federal government has acknowledged the issue of broadband access. The Federal Communications Commission set a goal for universal service to all Americans, “and congress recently approved over $42 billion to accelerate efforts to expand access” (Government Accountability Office, 2023).
Pew Research Center reports that 94% of households with an income of $75k or higher have desktop/laptop computers, but that number drops to 72% when considering households with an income of $30k or less. The digital divide not only has to do with infrastructure availability, but also with affordability.
Closing the digital divide is essential for social inclusion, civic engagement, education, and more. Congress should continue to increase funding for broadband availability programs such as Digital Equity Act programs and Broadband Infrastructure Program.
Sources
Closing the Digital Divide for the Millions of Americans without Broadband. (2023, February 1). Government Accountability Office. https://www.gao.gov/blog/closing-digital-divide-millions-americans-without-broadband
