Broadband access for everyone—regardless of race, location, ethnicity, or income is a key step on the way to achieving 100% connectivity across the country.
As education, employment, and even many basic life functions rely more and more on an internet connection, the concept of “digital equity” is crucial to bridging the digital divide.
Defining digital equity: The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) defines digital equity as “a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy.”
In short, equal access to broadband service is a critical investment that provides equal opportunity to all Americans.
Mapping Digital Equity
To connect all Americans to the internet, it’s important to know where access to broadband already exists – and the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) national broadband map does just that.
Catch up quick: The FCC released a first draft of its new U.S. broadband map to identify areas where the internet is – and is not – available across the country. It also identifies areas where internet speeds need improvement.
Bottom line: The latest FCC data reiterates that cable broadband providers are deploying gigabit internet service equitably regardless of income level or race.
- As of June 2022, gigabit broadband service is available to 96% of the locations that cable providers serve.
- These offerings are widely available in all areas regardless of household income, with 95-97% of all locations in cable provider areas being able to access gigabit speeds no matter their household income.
- At least 95% of all locations in cable provider service areas can access gigabit speeds regardless of race or ethnicity.
What the Future of Digital Equity Looks Like
Cable broadband providers have made important strides towards a digitally equitable future.
But more work lies ahead in bringing broadband to all Americans.
Now, our focus is on ensuring historic federal broadband funding that is being dispersed to each state results in America successfully closing its digital divide, once and for all.
To find out what else must be done to reach 100% connectivity, click here.
