All Americans Do Not Have Access to Broadband Services – Have We Forgotten Puerto Rico?

[Commentary] Implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) in Puerto Rico has thus far proven to be a significant hurdle for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The NBP was well received by the telecommunications and technology industries, policymakers, and several leading national Hispanic, Asian, and African American groups, all of which are quickly realizing that, without access to broadband services, they will not be able to compete and participate in the 21st century’s digital economy. The FCC’s recent study on broadband adoption found that no one in Puerto Rico has access to broadband.

• 1/6 of Americans (3,954,000 people) without broadband access live in Puerto Rico, which accounts for almost the entire population of Puerto Rico.
• Broadband download speeds for Puerto Rico fall below 1.0 Mbps (below that of Mexico and all 33 OECD countries), while U.S. download speeds average nearly 3.8 Mbps.
• Puerto Rico has a population greater than 24 U.S. states but an average median household income of only $13,189, compared to $34,809 for all areas of the United States and $28,627 for unserved areas generally. Poverty is a significant issue in Puerto Rico, with 44.8% of Puerto Rico’s residents living below the poverty line.
• Puerto Rico has by far the lowest telephone penetration rate of any U.S. state. Prior Census studies suggest the actual telephone penetration rate may lie somewhere between 73% and 80%, while the local regulator in Puerto Rico estimates the rate at 40%.