Broadband Adoption
There are three broad principle causes of an adoption gap in the United States: affordability, digital readiness and perceived relevance.
The State Broadband Plan’s current goal for affordability is: households with income below 200% of the federal poverty level have access to fixed, home internet service at a cost of less than $25 a month. This can also be adjusted based on local goals.
Strategies to Promote Affordability
- Requiring or encouraging the internet service provider partners to have an entry-level unbundle with other services that more households may afford. For example, a 25/3 internet-only plan for $25-$30 a month.
- Requiring or encouraging the ISP partner to participate in the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program and future federal and state discount programs so eligible households can receive a discount on internet service.
- Requiring or encouraging the ISP partners to participate in the Department of Public Instruction’s Digital Equity Gap, which could facilitate school districts purchasing service for students.
- Partnering or contacting with a library, community organizations, or government entity to create an internet discount/internet service voucher or another program to reduce the cost of internet service for low-income households.
