Penn. report details struggles of those without Internet at home

One in four Pennsylvania households don’t have Internet at home, according to the latest Census data. According to a recent local report, families face many challenges without broadband and modern communications services:

Emerson is a 47-year-old single mother of two who canceled her home Internet service when she lost her job at a daycare center. “I couldn’t afford it. They are always changing their packages,” said Emerson who had a bundle, “and it’s never less; it’s always more.” Emerson has since relied on her smartphone for an Internet connection, but she and her teenage daughter had to find other options to complete schoolwork. “Even if I go to the Laundromat, I bring my computer so I can do my homework,” said Emerson, who is working on a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. […]

Emerson’s 20-year-old son needs the Internet to apply for jobs; her daughter, a rising high-school junior, has to fill out online college applications. “She’ll usually stay after school to do it,” said Emerson, “and that means she’s coming home later and it’s dangerous.”

Digital Divide: At least 1.1 million Pennsylvania homes lack Internet access (Daily Times News, July 19, 2015)