Inequity in access to internet service

The newest dimension of the digital divide is access to broadband (high-speed) Internet service. The nationwide crisis has emphasized this equity issue that our society faces. That is the chronic lack of home internet access for people of color, low-income households, and rural residents. Using comprehensive U.S. data covering all forms of access technology (chiefly DSL and cable modem), there is unequal broadband availability in areas with high concentrations of poor, minority, or rural households. This lack of access puts our students as well as schools in an especially difficult position as the use of technology was increased during the pandemic, and beyond.

This technology challenge has been brewing for decades. It is obvious that we’re not just discussing a pandemic issue… we’re discussing a civil rights issue of the utmost importance. Citizens on the wrong side of the digital gap are losing out on economic, educational and social opportunities. It's not just a technical problem for the 21st century. Underscoring the importance of universal access, the Federal Communications Commission declared that broadband service is a public utility akin to electricity or telephone service. Ensuring that there are community access points, like libraries and technology hubs, is important, but ultimately they're no substitute for reliable Internet at home.