The Problems
The Problems
9.7 million students do not have reliable internet connectivity at home.
As many as 400,000 teachers can’t teach because of lack of internet.
1 in 3 African Americans and Hispanics – 14 million and 17 million, respectively – still don’t have access to computer technology in their homes.
42 percent of rural veterans enrolled in the VA health care system do not have internet access that would support use of VA telehealth and other online services.
Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Rural Health
14.5 million Americans do not even have access to reliable, high-speed broadband internet.
This is the digital divide. A gap that is keeping the very technology that could be a great equalizer out of reach for millions of Americans.
By failing to bridge the digital divide, underserved areas face:
Inhibited economic growth, innovation, and job creation
Limited educational opportunities for children, who fall behind their peers without access to the internet for homework and distance learning
Decreased agricultural productivity – hurting American farmers who can’t access the high-tech tools needed to compete in the global economy
Fewer affordable options and worse health outcomes for rural patients, who may have to travel hours to consult their physician without access to telemedicine
NEXT: The Barriers
