Voters Say Broadband Essential, Support Congressional Action to Eliminate the Digital Divide

Connect Americans Now (CAN) released the findings of a national voter survey conducted by Moore Information Group and David Binder Research. Major findings include:

• Access to broadband internet is essential to voters’ daily lives and a wide majority believes the pandemic has increased the urgency of having access to an affordable and reliable broadband internet connection.
• A solid majority of American voters believe it is important that Congress pass the infrastructure bill which includes $65 billion in funding for broadband internet programs.
• American voters recognize the need for equity in broadband internet access and that broadband access is essential in our ability to compete in the 21st Century global economy.
• There is solid support for the three major components of the broadband infrastructure proposal, including digital workforce training, investment in infrastructure to provide access to those who don’t have it and financial assistance for Americans who can’t afford broadband services or devices.
• Current gaps in broadband access for students, affordability and lack of equity in broadband coverage among communities of color are strong arguments that help increase support for federally funded broadband programs.
• Nearly three-in-five (59 percent) of voters say they will be more likely to support a candidate for Congress who supports “Making sure every American can access an affordable and reliable broadband internet connection.”