Broadband Map Reveals Connectivity Gaps Across the US
A new National Broadband Map shows the extent of the digital divide in America, giving President Obama's goal of advancing America's digital future a clearly defined roadmap.
The NTIA generated map shows insufficient connectivity options for rural and underserved urban communities, many of whom are being left behind online and economically. Full participation in the 21st century isn't possible for certain communities, like Coffeeville, Alabama, as a recent New York Times article points out.
Only 60 percent of rural households use broadband Internet service, according to a Department of Commerce report released last week, and in some isolated communities this number is far lower.
Broadband universality has been compared to the struggle to bring electricity to all American homes at the turn of the 20th century. In many ways, connectivity is just as critical to our nation's future and economic growth. Meeting these challenges will take strong government initiative and has the strong ongoing support of the CWA.
Making sure that every American household, business, and community has access to affordable high-speed broadband is as important for the 21st century as bringing electricity to all American homes was in the first half of the 20th century. World-class Internet networks are just as critical to our nation's economic growth and civic participation. Meeting these challenges will take strong partnerships between private companies and government, and CWA is leading the way toward the goal of universal, high-speed broadband for everyone.
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