Pew broadband report reveals penetration disparity and broadband roadblocks

The Pew Internet & American Life Project released the home broadband adoption report of 2009 on Wednesday, June 17, describing this year's successes and shortcomings in broadband penetration.

Speed Matters is happy to see that 63% of adult Americans now have broadband internet connections at home - a 15% increase from last year.

However, the Pew data also reveals the inequitable spread of broadband throughout our nation - demonstrated by slower rates of adoption for large portions of African-American and rural populations. The report states:

"Notably, African Americans experienced their second consecutive year of broadband adoption growth that was below average."

Broadband growth in rural America also increased below the curve, "from 38% in 2008 to 46% in 2009."

When asked to cite reasons for not having broadband, respondents named a variety of roadblocks:

"Non-users (either dialup subscribers or non-internet users) cite factors related to the Internet's relevance, availability, usability, and price. A third of dial-up users cite price as a barrier, with the remaining two-thirds citing other factors."

Income disparities similarly reveal a significant gap in home broadband adoption. Despite increasing by ten percentange points in the last year, broadband usage by respondents who make less than $20,000 a year is significantly lower than high income Americans (those who make more than $75,000). Only thirty five percent of people in the lowest income bracket have broadband connections in their home compared to eighty five percent of the highest income bracket.

These roadblocks to broadband penetration can and must be overcome. Join our cause by spreading the word today - tell your friends or contact Congress to help bring broadband to all Americans.

Home Broadband Adoption Report 2009 (Pew Internet and American Life Project)

Help Spread the Word (Speed Matters)

We Need a National High Speed Internet Policy (Speed Matters)