Despite the wide-spread availability of broadband Internet access, more than 80 million American adults and 13 million American children over the age of five do not have access to high-speed Internet connections at home.
These are the findings of a report recently released by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The report, Broadband Adoption and Use in America, is the result of a random digit-dial survey of adults conducted in October and November 2009 to assess the state of broadband Internet access in the United States.
According to the report, the three main barriers to more widespread access to broadband Internet access are:
- Affordability: More than 28 million adults say that they do not have broadband access because they cannot afford a computer, or because the monthly broadband access fee is too expensive;
- Digital Literacy: Another 17 million adults lack the necessary digital skills to effectively utilize broadband Internet access, or are concerned about the potential hazards associated with Internet use, such as exposure of personal information;
- Relevance: Finally, 15 million adults do not have broadband access, either because they don’t value Internet access, or because they are satisfied with their current dial-up connection.
The release of the report comes in advance of Commission’s National Broadband Plan, expected to be delivered to Congress on March 17th. That plan will reportedly detail “a strategy for connecting the country to affordable, world-class broadband” service.
View the complete report, Broadband Adoption and Use in America.
