Ninety percent of US voters support closing the digital divide through federal funds

A new poll of 1,938 individuals by the Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA) found that ninety percent of US voters support closing the digital divide through federal funds and sixty-two percent want Congress to “immediately” deploy broadband Internet to unserved areas. The IIA is a coalition of business and non-profit organizations that promote public policies that support equal opportunity for universal broadband availability and adoption.

“The pandemic has deepened Americans’ understanding of the importance of broadband for everyday life, from work to education, healthcare, entertainment, civic engagement, communication with friends and family, access to critical information and more,” said Bruce Mehlman, founding co-chair of the IIA.

In July, the US House passed the Moving Forward Act which provided $80 billion to expand broadband access, make it more affordable, and create and protect good jobs across the country. The legislation stalled in the US Senate. 

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Poll Finds 90% Support Federal Funding to Close Digital Divide (Telecompetitor, Sept. 10, 2020)