Introduction

Perhaps the single most influential technological phenomenon over the past few decades has been the widespread adoption of the internet. Loosely defined as a network which connects almost all computers in the world, the internet has accelerated the rate of globalization and become engrained into the day-to-day lives of people across the world.

Providing a gateway to entertainment, social networking, marketplaces, and business activities, the internet is filled with opportunity. But instead of being the democratizing force it was originally meant to, disparity in access threatens to make the technology one of the largest factors in driving inequality today.

Fundamental Internet Infrastructure

Although there a whole array of devices, such as modems, routers, and receivers which are necessary for full internet access, for now, I will just list the most common ways internet service providers (ISPs) connect their customers:

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

Transmits data over existing copper telephone lines. Uses a broadband connection.

Cable Modem

Uses the same cables that deliver audio and video to TV to provide broadband connection.

Fiber 

Uses bundles of extremely thin glass fibers to provide very fast internet.

Wireless

Typically provided by cellphone carriers, establishes a connection between the user’s device and cell towers to transmit data.

Satellite

Uses satellites orbiting the Earth to transmit data to users. Has a broad range, but impacted by weather and delivers slower speeds.

With such a wide variety of sources available, universal internet access seems like an easily achievable reality. However, as the data show, significant hurdles must be overcome first.

Internet Access Statistics

According to the IMF, “The digital divide is more like a chasm, both within and between countries.” As the chart below shoes, only about forty-seven percent of people on Earth have access to internet.

With over twenty percent of retail sales occurring online, and only expected to grow over the next decade, those lacking internet access lose out on both critical resources and business opportunities, placing them in a destructive cycle of social and economic isolation.

As this study from the National Center for Educational Statistics shows, Americans living in poverty were thirty-three percent less likely than the richest economic bracket to have internet access, demonstrating a strong relationship between the two metrics.

Finally, the greater need for reliable internet connection due to the pandemic has further exposed divisions amongst Americans. With rural areas already lacking infrastructure due to the low financial incentive for private companies to install it, and high cost of use in urban areas preventing low-income household from subscribing, these two groups have been largely left behind during the virtual boom of the past year and a half.

To ensure all citizens are truly apart of the twenty-first century, it is critical to bridge the gap in internet access across regions and economic strata.