Of the many public policy challenges the pandemic has highlighted, the persistence of America’s “digital divide” is attracting growing attention. For decades, federal and state policymakers have grappled with how to close the gulf between those who have easy access to computers and the Internet, and those who do not.
Despite rapid progress over the last decade, millions of low-income and rural households still lack the connectivity needed to capitalize on educational and economic opportunities like online classes and remote jobs, or even stay abreast of the latest public health advisories.
Numerous ambitious programs have tried to expand access to broadband to disadvantaged communities. But despite significant taxpayer-funded investments, the needle has not moved much.
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