Broadband for All?
From Kauffman’s Public Forum Institute comes this news about broadband penetration in the US:
A new study of broadband use in California offers some useful insights for other regions around the country and overseas. The study, Broadband for All?, examines patterns of broadband adoption and availability across the state. It notes the presence of three broadband “digital divides” in the state. First, broadband availability varies widely. Not surprisingly, broadband is more readily available in wealthier and denser parts of the state. In terms of adoption, 47% of California households have broadband (compared to 39% nationwide). Finally, the study finds large racial and income disparities in terms of use – wealthier families are much more likely to adopt broadband. Hispanic and African-American families have much lower broadband adoption rates when compared to other Californians – even though the availability of such services does not differ by race. The report concludes by recommending that policymakers focus on two key goals: boosting broadband availability in rural areas, and boosting broadband adoption and use by Hispanic and African-American families.Access the July 2007 Public Policy Institute of California report, Broadband for All? Gaps in California’s Broadband Adoption and Availability, by Jed Kolko.