The disparity between people with and without broadband access is fueled by affordability, accessibility or availability, and lack of skills to use the internet properly. Can state and local governments help close the digital divide throughout the country?
The Digital Divide: An Ongoing Issue
When cellphones were first introduced, there was a digital divide between new owners and those who did not invest in the technology.
As the tech advanced, it became clear that buying expensive consumer electronics was only possible for those with extra money in their bank accounts. It’s a much different picture than what we experience today.
People use technology for pretty much everything, including health care, entertainment, food delivery and shopping. People use their phones to accomplish way more than people in the 2000s could imagine, from booking airfare and transportation (46%) to finding fun things to do (70%).
Additionally, people wouldn’t be able to access life-saving information about COVID-19 from their local officials, work or participate in school remotely, or receive critical telehealth services without internet access. Phones can be used for trivial reasons, but there are also many vital ones in the 21st century.
Where Does the Digital Divide Exist?
The digital divide exists between:
- Different demographics
- Underdeveloped and developed countries
- Rural and urban areas
- Men and women
- Young and educated versus the older and uneducated
The digital divide has various adverse effects on those without access to critical technologies. Those afflicted can experience loneliness, isolation, worsening gender discrimination, barriers to education and employment, and declining mental health. The coronavirus pandemic exacerbated most of the issues caused by the digital divide.
The Role of Government in Closing the Digital Divide
Because the digital divide exists across demographics, in and out of schools and work, and between regions of communities, local and state governments need to intervene.
The federal government is distributing large amounts of money to states to bridge the digital divide by expanding access and adoption of broadband internet. This money comes from the federal government’s American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, as well as $65 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
State and local officials must have strategies to allocate these resources for this funding to be effective. In other words, the money won’t make much difference if it’s not spent properly.
Here are some of the steps local and state governments need to take to bridge the digital divide, according to Pew Charitable Trusts:
Set Clear Guidelines
Federal dollars distributed across states are not “one size fits all.” Some states have a wider digital divide than others, so receiving the same amount of government funding is not feasible. Additionally, state and local governments must assess their communities to determine which factors contribute most to the divide, as they can differ from town to town.
Is there a lack of affordable internet options? Are remote communities struggling more than the suburbs? These questions must be at the center of using this federal funding.
Redefine Speed
The universal definition of internet speed causes roadblocks in increasing access to bridge the digital divide.
According to the FCC, 25 Mbps download speeds and 3 Mbps upload speeds are standard, but these are not sufficient to handle the demands of today’s internet activities. Creating affordable internet plans with higher rates is crucial to close the digital divide.
Make Careful, Wise Investments
Local and state officials must clearly understand where internet service providers (ISPs) are in their jurisdictions. They also must be willing to hear the struggles residents face due to lack of access.
Governments need to know where they might invest their resources from the federal government and be well-informed about citizens’ needs and expectations.
Address Affordability
Closing the digital divide is a massive undertaking, but one that will only be successful if residents in small towns and cities can afford broadband access.
Inflation is increasing and a recession is looming, so affordability is on everyone’s mind right now. Increased competition among ISPs can positively affect internet rates and keep affordable options for low-income families.
Policymakers: Work to Bridge the Digital Divide
The digital divide is a complicated problem, and there is no silver bullet to close the gap and deliver internet access to everyone in the country. Multiple interventions by numerous parties must address the ongoing challenges, but it won’t happen overnight.
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