From Networks to People

Broadband’s fundamental value doesn’t come from connecting computers to networks; its value comes from connecting people to opportunity, and society to new solutions. When a broadband network is available but a person who wants to use it can’t do so, then the network is less valuable to everyone else who does use it. That's because the he benefits of broadband adoption do not flow only to the people who are new broadband users. Expanding broadband usage can grow the U.S. economy broadly. Expanding broadband usage, furthering civic engagement, can build stronger democratic institutions. Expanding broadband usage, from an individual’s perspective, opens a window on the world, connecting people to people, and people to services that can improve lives. Broadband adoption benefits people in concrete and practical ways. Children can do homework at home. Parents can become more involved in their child’s school. Families can stream educational content. Adults can obtain digital skills training, including improving workforce skills, and create résumés. Americans with disabilities can establish better access to education, employment, health care, and community activities. Recognize that far too many people face practical barriers in using broadband service they want and that is ostensibly available to them. Academic research has established that socioeconomic factors impact broadband usage.

[Jonathan Sallet is a Benton Senior Fellow and author of Broadband for America's Future: A Vision for the 2020s]