Bridging the Digital Divide: Navigating the Past, Present, and Future for a More Connected World

In these modern and connected times, it’s hard to imagine Americans offline, especially in states like California. Despite the need for connectivity, approximately 19 million Americans still lack access to high-speed broadband services, for some the only option is wireless or satellite. This digital divide leaves many people without access to work, education, healthcare, and myriad opportunities that could improve their lives and overall well-being. Closing the divide is, well, a work in progress.??

In this article, we’ll explore the past, present and future of the digital divide and how we can work together to bridge it. ?

Redlining: A Brief History??

To understand the present, we must look to the past and how cities and infrastructure were set up. Many cities used Redlining, a form of discrimination where groups of citizens were kept out of fair housing opportunities and relegated to live in designated areas. Families were denied the option of living in areas outside of their assigned pockets. Though the Fair Housing Act of 1968 was designed to put an end to these practices, the negative impact had already taken hold for millions of Americans.??

The issue dates back to The National Housing Act of 1934. This legislation established a federally guaranteed mortgage insurance program. Though it was first considered successful, the legislation segregated cities. Segregation continues to this day, and directly contributes to digital redlining.?

Digital Redlining?

Today, we have a similar issue when it comes to connectivity for all. If you were to look at a map of California, you’d notice vast areas where the internet is simply nonexistent. The truth is that digital redlining is less likely to occur in wealthier neighborhoods. Forty-two million people do not have access to broadband, with people of color representing 75% of those who are unconnected.?? In short, services can be denied based on income and ethnicity.?

The Reality, Where the Digital Divide is Today?

In 2020, 10% of Californians reported not having a desktop, laptop, or other computing device at home. The pandemic laid bare the need for access for many underserved and rural areas. When the world went online for all their daily essentials, many people were left in the dark. ?

Education?

Without internet access, students couldn’t participate in online learning, leading to significant learning gaps. Teachers use the internet for in-school and home learning. In fact, 20% of underserved students who are eligible for free meals do not have access to a computer at home. The goal should be affordable internet access for all students who require it for their education and future success.?

Remote Work Opportunities?

Another area where the digital divide negatively impacts rural and underserved communities is remote work. Without reliable and affordable access to the internet, remote work is not an option for millions of Americans. During the pandemic, when remote work was a requirement for many, some employed individuals lost their income because they could not make the adjustment.?

Healthcare?

The pandemic was difficult for those without an internet connection who needed medical care.? Scheduling a simple telehealth doctor’s appointment proved impossible for entire communities at a time when mental wellness was a serious challenge for many.?

The Plan, How We’re Working to Bridge the Divide?

The California Broadband Council introduced the “Broadband for All” Action Plan to promote digital equity. The plan highlights access, adoption, and training as its tenets.??

With a six-billion-dollar investment, California hopes to empower its citizens to experience the same level of connectivity afforded to their counterparts. Governor Gavin Newsom believes in the plan saying, “This $6 billion investment will make broadband more accessible than ever before, expanding opportunity across the spectrum for students, families and businesses.”?

Federal and State Governments Stepping Up?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers eligible households long-term support with the affordable rate of $30 a month for broadband. This program replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB), which offered the reduced rate of $50 per month for underserved families and individuals.?

Yes, these programs have increased digital access for many households, however, there is still work to be done. At least 3.7 million California households are eligible, while only 1.4 million have enrolled for the ACP by April 2022.?

The Disconnect: Missing Out?

The majority of those who signed up for the Affordable Connectivity Program already had internet access. Families and individuals without internet didn’t know about the discount or program in the first place, highlighting, again, the need for internet for all. These residents didn’t even realize they were missing out, due to their lack of connectivity.?

In fact, a survey of low-income households found that only 25% had heard of this program and benefit. The primary disconnect was that the government failed to provide funding to advertise the program to potential users.?

Moving Forward?

There are a few ways we move forward in the struggle for internet access for all. One way to move the needle on internet access is affordability. The government has plans for this, as we discussed earlier, but more needs to be done for those in need to benefit from various programs. Another area needing improvement is infrastructure development. Rural areas need this development to experience the connectivity enjoyed by larger cities.??

How Race is Working to Bridge the Divide?

In addition to working closely with national developers and local governments, Race has a?successful record of accomplishment when it comes to delivering high-speed fiber solutions to?rural and disadvantaged areas.?

Rural and urban communities differ vastly when it comes to internet accessibility. Race?understands this disparity and is actively working to bridge the digital divide. As a result, Race?has been awarded eleven separate grants from the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) to?advance broadband adoption and infrastructure deployment in unserved and underserved areas?encompassing 20,000 households.?

In Conclusion?

We have miles to go before the internet is available for all those who need it. From digital redlining practices to much needed infrastructure and development funds, the challenges are vast. There are companies trying to close the gap. Race Communications, for example, works to serve rural areas with the internet services they need to access education, healthcare, and work opportunities. By working together, we can create an inclusive internet experience for all.?