For millions of Americans, high-speed internet is unavailable or unaffordable − a telecommunications expert explains how to bring broadband to the places that need it the most
The Conversation has collaborated with SciLine to bring you highlights from the discussion that have been edited for brevity and clarity.
- The Conversation has collaborated with SciLine to bring you highlights from the discussion that have been edited for brevity and clarity.
- Christopher Ali: Broadband internet, often just called broadband, is the technical term for high-speed internet connectivity.
- But what high-speed internet fundamentally means to Americans is do we have the connectivity necessary to go about our digital lives.
- Right now, the FCC reports that 7.2 million people lack access, but the commission numbers have been historically suspect.
- But one thing is certain: Broadband deserts are most often found in rural, remote and Indigenous areas.
- A program called the Affordable Connectivity Program subsidizes broadband for low-income families, and 50 million families across the country are eligible.
- Some studies have found that access to broadband can impact grades and SAT scores, although there is disagreement about this.
Christopher Ali does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.