Perhaps the most surprising community disproportionately impacted by broadband deserts is historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs. Alabama is ranked 38th in the nation for broadband access and has the highest number of HBCUs in the country. In 2022, the Biden-Harris administration launched a $45 billion initiative, Internet for All, to bring reliable high-speed internet access by the end of the decade. Researchers have found that higher levels of broadband access lead to economic growth, lower unemployment and higher incomes. In addition to the public-private partnership reflected in Smith’s philanthropy, and the governmental intervention intended by Internet for All, he suggests community networks, satellite internet, fixed wireless broadband, mobile broadband, digital literacy programs and subsidies for low-income households.

Source: Forbes December 06, 2023 20:02 UTC