Priority Area: Broadband
Goal:
86,000
more homes with high-speed internet by 2030
Connect homes by eliminating the digital divide.
Healthy State’s focus on internet access aims to increase the percentage of households with a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone, or tablet. High-speed internet is an important resource for work, education, and efficient communication. Moreover, having high-speed internet is vital for receiving healthcare via telehealth.
An estimated 19 million American slack access to reliable broadband internet. Over half of U.S. counties (57%)experience speeds below the federally defined broadband standard (25 Mbps down/3 Mbps up), but in rural counties this percentage jumps to 65%. Low-income neighborhoods in urban areas have been systematically excluded from broadband service in “digital redlining.” Barriers to high-speed internet access include cost and deficient infrastructure.
Among older populations, broadband access can foster social connectedness, reducing the burden of social isolation, strengthening community support, and decreasing loneliness (AHR).
An estimated 19 million American slack access to reliable broadband internet. Over half of U.S. counties (57%)experience speeds below the federally defined broadband standard (25 Mbps down/3 Mbps up), but in rural counties this percentage jumps to 65%. Low-income neighborhoods in urban areas have been systematically excluded from broadband service in “digital redlining.” Barriers to high-speed internet access include cost and deficient infrastructure.
Among older populations, broadband access can foster social connectedness, reducing the burden of social isolation, strengthening community support, and decreasing loneliness (AHR).