Digital SKILLS & TRUST
How they affect the way low- and lower-middle income households connected to the internet during the pandemic.
The second report in a 3-part series to understand barriers to connectivity and efficacy of low-cost internet service options
Funded by the Ballmer Group and Microsoft Airband Initiative
Overview
EveryoneOn, in collaboration with Dr. John B. Horrigan, an expert digital divide researcher, present the second of three reports in a national study on broadband adoption among low- and lower-middle income households during the pandemic.
As the Federal Communications Commission begins the implementation of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a $14.2 billion investment that will help income-insecure households connect to high-speed internet, it is critical that quality marketing, outreach and digital skills training efforts are in place to ensure eligible households benefit from this program. The ACP’s success is in our country’s best interest as the pandemic cemented the internet as the engine of our society and economy.
Report 2: Digital Skills & Trust
This report, the second in a three-part series, provides a deep dive on the role digital skills play in people’s interest in and ability to adopt and engage with the internet. It also reveals how much trust people place in public and private institutions such as schools and community-based nonprofits when it comes to learning about discounted and subsidized internet services. The survey findings, focused on income-insecure households (those making $50,000 or less annually), highlight the importance of digital skills training programs and trusted outreach partners as critical components to effective digital inclusion initiatives, like the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Our hope is that you find the report to be a valuable tool to promote digital equity.
The third and final report in will be released in the coming months. Each report in the three-part series highlights a specific theme.
Report 1: Affordability and the Digital Divide
Report 2: Digital Skills & Trust
Report 3: Focus Group Insights from Households Affected by the Digital Divide
Report 1: Affordability and the Digital Divide
COVID-19 brought into bold relief the struggles low-income households have in paying for basic needs. The Pew Research Center found that because of the pandemic, 46% of low-income households have struggled to pay their bills compared with 19% of middle-income homes. The Center for Budget Policy & Priorities noted that 91% of families using the child tax credit spent funds on food, rent or mortgage, or utilities.
Paying for home internet service has been no exception.
Broadband bills are a financial strain for many
Understanding affordability of internet service is crucial to create solutions for the digital divide. This first in a series of three reports focuses on affordability of internet service and the role it plays in adoption. Findings show what low- and lower-middle income households pay for monthly internet services and their attitudes about whether this is a burden on their finances.
Download the report here.
Download the press release here.
The goals of the national study were first to understand the barriers to connectivity and efficacy of low-cost internet service options; and second, to use the findings to inform digital inclusion policies, advocacy efforts, funding initiatives and other activities driving digital equity.