Right now, nearly every American reading this is adjusting to the “new normal” of working or distance learning from home.
Although it remains uncertain how long COVID-19 will keep businesses closed and classrooms empty, one thing is certain: The longer the quarantine continues, the more pronounced our country’s digital divide will become. Particularly in this uncertain time, the public sector must take action to ensure that a favorable climate exists for the private sector to bring high-speed connectivity to as much of America as possible, as fast as possible.
According to a Pew Research Center analysis of 2015 U.S. Census Bureau data, nearly one in five teens already struggled during pre-coronavirus “normal” times to reliably finish homework because they lack dependable computers or internet connections at home. Additionally, approximately 15% of households with school-age children don’t have high speed internet.
Read Full Article »