Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin Says Only 65% of Americans Have Adopted Broadband Technology

Shirley Franklin: As US Struggles to Regain Economic Standing, Universal Broadband Adoption Lags with only 65% of Americans using the technology.

The Hinterland Gazette is pleased to present the latest installment in a series of riveting commentaries from former Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin:

You have probably heard the age-old idiom, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”  A savvy horseman, though, knows that if you offer salt to a horse, it makes him thirsty – and a thirsty horse will gladly drink. The analogy is not perfect; however, I can’t help but think that the same logic applies to the President’s goal of universal broadband connectivity.  Currently, 96 percent of Americans have access to broadband.  Yet, a recent report by the Department of Commerce confirms that only 65 percent have adopted the technology.  So the question is:  In an increasingly connected world why would 35 percent of Americans not adopt broadband? 

Currently, our nation is struggling to get back on its feet economically, and universal broadband has the potential to give us the boost that we need that will make us stronger nationally and globally.  However, we all have to be connected to get where we need to be.  And even with broadband access currently available to the majority of Americans in our homes, schools, libraries and medical facilities as well as through wireless devices, tens of millions of Americans remain unconnected and minorities continue to lag behind whites.  The Commerce report finds 38 percent of Americans without a home connection say they don’t need one, while 26 percent say it’s too expensive and 4 percent say it is unavailable where they live.  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released similar findings last year – that cost, digital literacy and relevance are the greatest deterrents to adoption.  We need to deal with these barriers, but as we do this we have to address the digital divide that still exists and continues to keep minority Americans at a disadvantage in the Digital Age.  Interestingly, the Commerce report found usage gaps that fall along racial lines even, even when controlling for things like income and education levels. 

To combat this, targeted programs are needed across the country as diverse populations require different educational approaches on the benefits of broadband and technical skills training required to become users.  ADE’s Learning Without Walls (LWOW) program serves as a great example of what can happen when we deliver real-time solutions to communities who have far less than adequate access to mainstream broadband technology — in this case, public school students and their families based in one of the nation's most academically challenged school districts.  Additionally, we need to continue to be mindful of the price of connectivity.  Otherwise, encouraging the digital inclusion of those who have lower wages and fewer job advancement options won’t matter much.  We must ensure that the last to join the digital revolution aren’t the first to drop off due to rising costs.  

 The FCC’s National Broadband Plan provides a framework to achieve universal broadband, and – if followed – this plan can close the gaps identified in the Commerce report and lower economic and social barriers to adoption.  As we look forward to brighter, more prosperous days, this should be our focus.  And regardless of the partisan changes that take place in Washington, we should be steadfast in our commitment to achieving this goal. 

It is not enough for broadband to be accessible to all, everyone must be connected in order to reach our full potential and increase our competitiveness in the global market.