New "Digital Divide" Among Minorities

As the proliferation of wireless broadband connections spreads across the United States, some have expressed optimism that this will close the digital divide in minority communities. Data indicates that African Americans and Latinos disproportionately access the Internet over mobile devices.

But wireless broadband connectivity may perpetuate a new kind of digital inequity, according to a USA Today article.

A July 2010 Pew Internet poll found:

• 87% of black and Hispanics own a cell phone, compared to only 80% of non-Hispanic Caucasians;
• 51% of Hispanics and 46% percent of blacks use their phones to access the Internet, whereas only 33% of non-Hispanic Caucasians do the same; and,
• 47% of Latinos and 41% of blacks use their phones to send/receive e-mail — only 30% of non-Hispanic Caucasians use their phones for this reason.

While minorities Internet access and usage over wireless broadband has increased, some researchers are questioning the quality of the interaction when using their mobile devices. The article expands:

"Mobile Internet access may not be the great equalizer. Aaron Smith, a Pew senior research specialist, says there are obvious limitations on what you can do on a mobile device -- updating a resume being the classic example. 'Research has shown that people with an actual connection at home, the ability to go online on a computer at home, are more engaged in a lot of different things that people who rely on access from work, a friend's house, or a phone,' Smith says".

Mobile phone Internet access can only do so much. African Americans (56% adoption) and Hispanics (66%) continue to remain behind non-Hispanic Caucasians (67%) for broadband adoption and usage.

In order to ensure that all Americans receive the economic and social advantages of broadband access, we need to close all aspects of the digital divide in this country.

For minorities, new 'digital divide' seen (USA Today)

Mobile Access 2010 (Pew Internet & American Life Project)

Why Connecting the Unconnected to Broadband Helps Everyone on the Network (Speed Matters)