Too many Americans are being left behind – but a historic investment was made in 2021. Community leaders and policy makers across the country are making decisions right now about how we’re going to bridge the #digitaldivide in America. Your voice can make a difference -- help us tell this story to ensure that every American gets connected and we close the #digital divide no matter where you live.
The digital divide stands in the way of a better future for everyone – and we all have a role to play to ensure that broadband investment is used wisely for the benefit of all Americans.
The average American interacts with more than 120 emails every day. Imagine making it through your day without something as basic as email. How would you get through your day managing your work, your family, your purchases and beyond?
Too many Americans don’t have this the basic ability to regularly check email.
A Deloitte study from 2021 showed a strong correlation between broadband availability, jobs and economic growth -- a 10 percent increase in broadband access could result in more than 875,000 jobs and nearly $40 billion in economic output.
Communities large and small, rural and urban -- all benefit from broadband connectivity.
According to recent research by PEW, the digital divide extends across rural and urban communities -- rural and urban schools, rural and urban hospitals are all restrained by a lack of broadband access – in fact, the number of Americans without reliable access to download speeds of at least 25 megabytes per second (Mbps)—could be over 163 million.
Connectivity is a catalyst for *all* communities.
A study from Deloitte found that providing access to digital tools to start new businesses in rural communities yielded $66,000 of startup capital with interest from dozens of backers. Imagine the untapped potential for new businesses, new products, new solutions and better services —unlocked by connectivity.
Think about how connectivity could unleash a whole new era of entrepreneurial activity.
77 percent of U.S. public schools reported moving classes to online distance-learning formats during COVID-19. Without a stable, high-quality internet connection, many students in underserved communities were unable to do their homework. 46 percent of schools in rural communities and 30 percent of schools in city/urban communities offered spaces where students without internet access could connect to do schoolwork, according to a study from the National Center for Education Statistics.
The digital divide crosses both geographic and economic lines -- especially within education.
In the past decade more than 120 medical facilities closed in rural areas and now. 80 percent of rural America is designated as “medically underserved” by the federal government, according to KHN. KHN Telehealth options are essential, but many do not have access to broadband internet to use them
Think about being in a situation where you require health care, small check-ins, and not having access to health care.
Connectivity is a necessity – and broadband for all means opportunities for all.
Your voice is essential in the effort to close the digital divide. Sharing this story, the video, reaching out to local and national leaders, chatting with your neighbors - all of this is essential in raising awareness about the digital divide and the potential that's unleashed with an affordable, high-speed internet connection.
The American Connection Project and its partners continue pushing to close the digital divide. Explore how we’re achieving that here.
We have the opportunity -- and the responsibility -- to defy the digital divide
Published on : May 23, 2022 Read MoreConnectivity is a necessity – and broadband for all means opportunities for all.
Let's not hold ourselves back - use your voice and share this story.
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Here’s message to share: Now more than ever, we must defy the #digitaldivide. It stands in the way of the one thing we ALL share -- our need to reach -- beyond what's possible, turning imagination into progress for all. Share this story. Make a difference. https://youtu.be/r8G1gPLbWhM