FCC: 26 Million Americans without Broadband Access

Some progress has been made, but rural communities lack access and 100 million Americans still don’t subscribe.

The FCC’s latest broadband report finds that approximately 26 million Americans, mostly in rural communities, have no access to broadband. Even where broadband is available, one in three Americans — 100 million people — do not subscribe, due to high costs, low digital literacy, or concerns about privacy.

The gaps are especially acute among low-income Americans, African-Americans, Hispanics, seniors, and residents of Tribal areas.

Broadband capacity for schools and libraries is also limited, significantly below the one gigabyte capacity recommended in the National Broadband Plan.

As the FCC considers Universal Service Fund (USF) reform this year, it should expand the very successful E-Rate program to improve broadband connectivity to more schools and libraries to address these specific gaps in availability.

The FCC report does find some good news. Private and public investment to expand and upgrade wired and wireless broadband infrastructure totaled $65 billion in 2010.

Broadband investment creates jobs, and according to the FCC, investment in 4G wireless technology is expected to create more than 200,000 jobs.

For more than four years, Speed Matters has advocated for policies to expand affordable high-speed broadband to all Americans to improve American competitiveness, create jobs, and improve the quality of life. This report underscores that we will have a long way to go.

Seventh Broadband Progress Report to Congress - FCC