Commissioner Starks Remarks to Black Is Tech Conference

When we talk about the digital divide, we need to peel back the layers. When we do, it is readily apparent that nearly three times the people who live in urban areas remain unconnected to broadband as those in rural areas. Additionally, according to Pew Research data, 34% of Black people in America do not have a home broadband connection, a disproportionately higher percentage than their white counterparts. That is why we need to solve the issue of affordability and expand the Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline and E-Rate programs that are designed to meet the connectivity needs of low-income households and students across the nation.