Wireless in Communities of Color: Bridging the Digital Divide

This paper presents a history of the digital divide, major steps in closing it, and how we can continue expanding access to transform lives for communities of color. To close the digital divide, policymakers should focus on: 1) further expanding access, 2) increasing adoption, and 3) encouraging skill development.

• Continue to encourage technology neutrality as the federal government and states stand up programs to disburse the massive broadband funding in the bipartisan infrastructure bill, as both wired and wireless solutions will be needed to reach all populations.
• Continue to protect and promote pro-investment policies, such as siting reforms, at all levels of government.
• Ensure Universal Service Fund programs are technology-neutral.
• Promote competition to provide choice for consumers.
• Help connect low-income households and families through properly funded connectivity programs.
• Ensure the Affordable Connectivity Program has a permanent funding source, and with Congress appropriating the money to do so.
• Ensure connectivity programs provide families the flexibility to select the broadband solutions that work best for them.
• Collaborate with community partners to build inclusive programs that address barriers to connectivity.
• Develop best practices and programs to create awareness and adoption of broadband services and devices