Voices From America’s Digital Divide

Universal access to the internet is not merely about connectivity—it is also about empowerment and opportunity. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns were a watershed moment in which national leaders recognized the magnitude of the nation’s digital divide. Confronted with powerful images of Americans going to extraordinary lengths to stay connected to work, school, family, and friends, Congress responded with ambitious new initiatives, including the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program—a historic bipartisan investment in infrastructure and policy changes designed to close the gap in internet access—and the Digital Equity Act. These programs, both enacted as part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, are providing states with the resources to connect households and businesses that previously lacked quality broadband service and to help ensure that all people have the skills, technology, and capacity to make full use of the digital economy.

But what actually is the digital divide, and who experiences it? Research shows it is more widespread than many people think, affecting millions of Americans throughout rural and urban communities.

To demonstrate why these federal investments are needed and how much work still must be done to make lasting change, this video series from The Pew Charitable Trusts presents stories from Americans who have faced challenges accessing and using the internet in their daily lives.

Access to opportunity

Universal access to broadband is pivotal for enabling Americans to take advantage of the opportunities that define modern life. For example, high-speed internet can connect students in rural communities to the types of educational resources (e.g., museums and libraries) that are available to their peers in urban centers. But these opportunities remain out of reach for many who lack broadband access and can perpetuate disparities in education, employment, and civic participation.

A ladder up

At its core, universal broadband does not mean handouts for free technology. Research has shown that with the appropriate training, low-income households, rural towns, individuals with disabilities, communities of color, and other Americans who may have been left out in the past can develop and use digital skills and services to secure better-paying jobs, improve their health outcomes, and gain access to information and resources in an increasingly digital-first world.

Education and skills development

Online courses, virtual classrooms, and educational apps provide flexible learning opportunities that cater to diverse learning styles and schedules. For students in underserved areas or adults seeking to enhance their skills, digital platforms offer avenues for continual learning and professional development. The ability to learn where you live alleviates other barriers that may stand between individuals and their goals, such as the need to secure child care or transportation.

Health care access

Online health resources empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Today, telehealth platforms are connecting patients in remote or underserved areas with health care providers, expanding access to medical consultations and specialist care. And mobile health apps are increasingly helping people and practitioners to monitor chronic conditions, promote preventive care, and manage mental health.