BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN 2023

Are We Any Closer To Being Fully Connected?

By Ian Dotson

The United States is often thought of as one of the frontrunners in the world of technology. With the ever-emerging technologies of Silicon Valley and major tech companies such as Apple, Facebook and Tesla calling it "home," many of us take for granted our access to the products and services tech companies offer. Americans are said to spend over four hours a day on their phones and that number continues to climb from year to year. Though many in the US can't fathom a day without access to the internet or social media, in many communities, being "disconnected" from the web is commonplace. Not having service/coverage or the financial means to access the internet is still a reality for many Americans. According to The Pew Research Center, In 2015 an estimated 35% of low-income households did not have broadband access The gap between those with access to the internet and those without access is known as the "Digital Divide." Though it often centers in on matters of internet infrastructure, the underlying themes are much more complex and nuanced than just simply having/not having service. Though infrastructural limitations definitely play a role as far as access to certain broadband services, factors such as digital literacy, (how well people are able to navigate the digital world) the affordability of broadband services and equity of the access broadband companies offer across different income groups also play a part. Rural and lower-income communities in particular suffer from lower coverage and internet speeds.

    The US Federal Communications Commission has recently approved $42 billion in an effort to improve and expand access to the internet, but it continues to be a challenge. The internet has become so deeply intertwined with our society that it has become a necessity in the workplace and in institutions such as schools and health care. And though its importance continues to grow, many still either do not have available access to broadband or they simply cannot afford the services financially. Though $42 billion is a substantial sum, others estimate the cost to be much higher. Like potentially $175-$240 billion dollars higher according to one Harvard analyst. Though efforts are being made by the FCC to increase the infrastructure and access to the internet, it would seem the US still faces an uphill battle when it comes to the Digital Divide.