Book chapter
The Geography of Barriers to Broadband Adoption
Digital Cities
Oxford University Press
12/10/2012
DOI: 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199812936.003.0007
Abstract
The reasons why individuals are offline, or barriers to broadband and Internet access at home, vary nationally across urban, suburban and rural America. Cost is one of the most important factors nationally, but especially for low-income residents and minorities. Cost is also a more important reason of being offline in urban areas than in other geographic areas. Even in rural areas, availability as a barrier mainly affects those who are more advantaged—wealthier, more educated, and younger rural residents. Infrastructure initiatives are most likely to benefit those who are already better-off or more Internet-savvy in rural communities, according to national data on barriers. Socioeconomic inequality is a primary cause why Americans lack Internet access. Affordability is an important requirement for achieving universal access and digital citizenship. Nationally, addressing cost is important across places, but it is especially a hurdle in poor urban communities.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The Geography of Barriers to Broadband Adoption
- Creators
- William FrankoCaroline J TolbertKaren Mossberger
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Publication Details
- Digital Cities
- DOI
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199812936.003.0007
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press; New York
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 12/10/2012
- Academic Unit
- Center for Social Science Innovation; Public Policy Center (Archive); Political Science
- Record Identifier
- 9983988974602771
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