Monday, Nov 14 2011 5:58PM
Of urban households, 70 percent had broadband at home, while only 57 percent of rural households did. According to the report, this discrepancy leaves a 5 percent gap after socio-economic and demographic factors have been considered.
Exploring the Digital Nation, a report from the Economics and Statistics Administration and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), indicates a gap in the adoption of broadband Internet in the United States.
While the report shows almost 70 percent of U.S. households subscribe to a broadband service, analysts concluded that socio-economic differences do not fully explain the lower adoption rates among many minority and rural households.
Factors like income and education were taken into account, but afterward a gap reportedly remains along geographic, ethnic and racial lines. Based on data collected by the Census Bureau, the report found 68 percent of American households used broadband in 2010, up 4 percent from the previous year.
Of urban households, 70 percent had broadband at home, while only 57 percent of rural households did. According to the report, this discrepancy leaves a 5 percent gap after socio-economic and demographic factors have been considered.
"To get a good job, you often need access to the Internet and online skills. But nearly one in three American households do not subscribe to broadband service," said NTIA Administrator Lawrence Strickling. Strickling noted the NTIA is currently running a broadband grants program, designed to expand public computer centers and provide Americans with training appropriate for an Internet economy.
This is part of the NTIA's partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service. The two agencies administer an
economic development assistance initiative using nearly $7 billion expand access to and adoption of broadband services.
For further reference, check out this source:
U.S. Census Bureau