Digital Equity Study Shows Range of Challenges for Broadband Access

The City of Bloomington has released a report looking at digital equity among city residents. The report is intended to guide development of the city's digital equity strategic plan.

Among the findings:

• 12% of low-income respondents never interact with the internet.
• The homework gap (problems completing homework due to internet deficiencies) is significant for lower-bandwidth households.
• Existing subsidy programs from internet service providers aren’t fully being used by eligible residents.
• Caregivers are concerned about risks and their ability to protect children from online harms.
• Low-income residents report a lack of desired computing skills and are interested in training to improve their skills.
• The skills gap is pronounced for low-income and older residents:  50% of such respondents think they do not have the skills they need to use the internet effectively and comfortably.
• Fully half of respondents said their job now requires internet access at home.  
• There is broad support for the City doing more to address digital equity issues and to improve broadband in Bloomington.  

Click here to read the report.

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