US digital divide will not be easily bridged

Subject

The US digital divide over broadband internet access and its implications.

Significance

A digital divide between those that can use the internet at broadband speeds and those that cannot is persisting.

Impacts

• Government support for digital provision will likely include direct public sector spending and opportunities for private firms.
• Expanded digital provision will benefit the currently underserved rural and low-income inner-city areas.
• Those without access to high speed internet will be disadvantaged in terms of education and accessing jobs.
• Expansion of 5G could exacerbate digital divides: affluent areas may be connected first, absent incentives to do otherwise.