The dependence on stable internet access for everyday life is a key expectation of our current age. As the integration of digital technology increases into our lives, so does the need to make the option of connectivity for everyone a priority. In the late twentieth century, the term “digital divide” emerged to describe the gap between those who had access to technology, such as computers, and those who did not.
Now, it has evolved to commonly refer to those who do not have access to broadband internet service. Broadband refers to internet that has download speeds of at least 25 megabits (Mbps) and upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps per second. Acknowledging the shift in use of this term is itself something to recognize as an achievement. Yet the value and applicability of internet services to increasing the modern standard of living does drive the desire to see more access.
According to Broadband Now, 42 million Americans do not have access to broadband internet (around 12 percent of the population). In rural areas, the gap is higher. Statistics vary based on geographic location and population density, however estimates of how many Americans living in rural areas who have poor access to broadband internet range from 22.3 percent to 50 percent. Many of these may still nevertheless have access to some form or speed of internet, making exact estimates difficult.
Although access to broadband internet is higher in cities than in rural areas, there still remains an access gap between low-income and higher-income households. Internet service is not considered a utility and is left out of housing costs. Thus, the challenge is making broadband services more affordable for those who demand them. In older homes, broadband internet can be harder to install due to outdated facilities and a lack of wireless internet connectivity.
This presents a need for creative and innovative solutions, which federal and local governments, internet service providers (ISPs), and everyday community members are trying to address. ISPs provide high-quality service, but often at higher costs than publicly provided broadband services. To mitigate these costs, organizations have advocated for using smaller ISPs which have lower costs to provide broadband connectivity. Starry, an ISP in Washington, D.C., offers broadband starting at $40 a month per household.
Despite these advantages, there are fewer ISPs in rural areas. This is due to a lower return on their investments, as rural areas have lower populations and thus less of a market. One way to combat this is through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program which invested $42.45 billion in states to provide broadband access. Critics quickly point out that spending and programs do not automatically equate to increased broadband connections, while regulatory compliance can eat away at critical investment dollars. Elsewhere, community hotspot lending programs are a way to increase broadband access from the ground up. These are often through local libraries, which themselves are essential for increasing internet access. Despite the benefits, these programs can have limited devices and bandwidth limits.
Some rural communities have opted for municipal broadband networks, which are provided by public entities. They can offer better prices than privately owned internet services, although finding the resources to implement them can be difficult. In Wilson, North Carolina, a municipal network called Greenlight is managed by the City of Wilson, providing low-cost internet to public housing residents. Other examples of community broadband networks have occurred in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Lafayette, Louisiana. Currently, 16 states have restrictions on the implementation of municipal broadband connections, so this is not a viable solution everywhere. Potential partnerships between municipal providers and local governments can improve the long-term sustainability of these solutions.
Over time, there has been success in increasing broadband connectivity in areas with a measurable divide. In 2019, the Federal Communications Commission found that the number of Americans without access to broadband internet decreased by over 20 percent. This is a very important achievement, as the importance of internet service cannot be understated. It can increase access to jobs, thus lowering unemployment rates and increasing population growth. It also expands access to healthcare and community resources.
While public-private partnerships and community-led initiatives are slowly moving the needle on increased broadband access, continued innovation is still an essential pillar of costs and access. Whether it is increased deployment of fiber optics, which contain multiple benefits beyond simply moving information, a build out of 5G towers, or entrepreneurial launches like Elon Musks’s Starlink, private sector innovation helps push the boundaries of access. Through continual innovation and creative solutions, the U.S. is increasingly closer to achieving greater internet access and further unlocking our nation’s great potential.
Written by Nora Priede von Herber, Public Policy Intern
The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) is an independent, national research and educational organization working to advance innovation across industry and public policy. The only nationwide public policy think tank dedicated to infrastructure, Aii explores the intersection of economics, law, and public policy in the areas of climate, damage prevention, eminent domain, energy, infrastructure, innovation, technology, and transportation.