Research Shows Cost is Biggest Barrier to Broadband Adoption

As federal policymakers consider ways to improve the Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline Program, the Benton Foundation shared with them recent research on digital inclusion and broadband adoption. Although realizing a fully inclusive digital society is a multi-faceted endeavor, the research we shared points to the biggest obstacle we face in making sure everyone is connected. Americans are increasingly likely to view home broadband service as important to accessing information or carrying out a variety of important tasks. A substantial majority of Americans feel that people without home broadband service are at a disadvantage when it comes to keeping up with news or information, getting health information, learning new things, accessing government services or engaging in a job search. As the FCC considers ways to best improve its Lifeline program and support home broadband adoption, these studies all show that the cost of broadband service is the biggest obstacle to overcome.