Addressing the Digital Divide
A ULI Louisiana Symposium on Broadband and 5G Access
For a 21st century community to thrive, broadband is a necessity rather than a luxury. Evidence shows that access to reliable internet improves communication and connection, and there are significant economic benefits that come with access to high quality internet - for businesses, commerce, academics, and everyday life. For every dollar invested in broadband access, there is a defined economic multiplier.
In Baton Rouge, the lack of broadband access in certain portions of the city had been a problem before COVID-19. When the reliance on online communication and virtual learning dramatically increased during the pandemic, the digital divide was exacerbated further. Consolidation of the broadband industry and the economics of creating a robust fiber network have created barriers to allowing the free market to solve the connectivity issue on its own. Further support from public and private entities may be needed.
As part of this ULI Broadband Symposium, the following key takeaways were identified to mitigate the lack of connectivity in Baton Rouge and come up with solutions and ideas to improve the situation. The goal is to eliminate the digital divide in the next 7.5 years.
Key Takeaways:
- There is not a one-size-fits all solution for every community when it comes to broadband. There is support for public-private partnerships, including those through NTIA, which can be explored further for Baton Rouge.
- There are a variety of factors working against expansion of broadband in minority communities like Baton Rouge, including reliance on a single major carrier, not being able to implement 5G networks, and “digital redlining,” where high speed broadband is available for those who can afford it, while others go without.
- The economic impact that comes with broadband access has further deepened inequality in the region along the digital divide. Businesses which do not have broadband cannot maintain a web presence, or access services on the web, and as schools switched to virtual learning during the pandemic, a deep academic divide grew.
- Panelists and participants discussed the issue of affordability being of greater importance than access to broadband, though both remain an issue throughout the region.
- Panelists and participants expressed concern that policymakers and influencers still do not understand many of the issues surrounding broadband access, and more needs to be done to bring stakeholders and planning and zoning professionals together to address the problem.
- Terminology in discussing broadband is crucial. There is a need to shift broadband from a “luxury” to a “need” and to focus on the “democratization of data” so everyone in the community has access to information, regardless of income, class or race. There should also be a standardization of definitions, including “competence,” “reliance,” and “access.”
- Digital literacy. How can we engage with residents who may be reluctant to use the internet, or feel less secure about doing so? This also relates to the different needs of a community for broadband speed and capacity. Not every household will need the highest capacity and speed of internet access.
- There is a clear need to develop and implement a tangible action plan that will identify the broadband needs and how to deliver them effectively. This will involve no longer viewing broadband as a luxury, but as a necessity for communities to thrive.
Video Summary: For a 21st century community to thrive, broadband is a necessity rather than a luxury. Evidence shows that access to reliable internet improves communication and connection, and there are significant economic benefits that come with access to high quality internet - for businesses, commerce, academics, and everyday life. For every dollar invested in broadband access, there is a defined economic multiplier.
In Baton Rouge, the lack of broadband access in certain portions of the city had been a problem before COVID-19. When the reliance on online communication and virtual learning dramatically increased during the pandemic, the digital divide was exacerbated further. Consolidation of the broadband industry and the economics of creating a robust fiber network have created barriers to allowing the free market to solve the connectivity issue on its own. Further support from public and private entities may be needed.
As part of this ULI Broadband Symposium, the following key takeaways were identified to mitigate the lack of connectivity in Baton Rouge and come up with solutions and ideas to improve the situation. The goal is to eliminate the digital divide in the next 7.5 years.
Key Takeaways:
- There is not a one-size-fits all solution for every community when it comes to broadband. There is support for public-private partnerships, including those through NTIA, which can be explored further for Baton Rouge.
- There are a variety of factors working against expansion of broadband in minority communities like Baton Rouge, including reliance on a single major carrier, not being able to implement 5G networks, and “digital redlining,” where high speed broadband is available for those who can afford it, while others go without.
- The economic impact that comes with broadband access has further deepened inequality in the region along the digital divide. Businesses which do not have broadband cannot maintain a web presence, or access services on the web, and as schools switched to virtual learning during the pandemic, a deep academic divide grew.
- Panelists and participants discussed the issue of affordability being of greater importance than access to broadband, though both remain an issue throughout the region.
- Panelists and participants expressed concern that policymakers and influencers still do not understand many of the issues surrounding broadband access, and more needs to be done to bring stakeholders and planning and zoning professionals together to address the problem.
- Terminology in discussing broadband is crucial. There is a need to shift broadband from a “luxury” to a “need” and to focus on the “democratization of data” so everyone in the community has access to information, regardless of income, class or race. There should also be a standardization of definitions, including “competence,” “reliance,” and “access.”
- Digital literacy. How can we engage with residents who may be reluctant to use the internet, or feel less secure about doing so? This also relates to the different needs of a community for broadband speed and capacity. Not every household will need the highest capacity and speed of internet access.
- There is a clear need to develop and implement a tangible action plan that will identify the broadband needs and how to deliver them effectively. This will involve no longer viewing broadband as a luxury, but as a necessity for communities to thrive.