Delaware’s goal for broadband deployment is to be the first state to deliver universal broadband—that is, to ensure an affordable high-speed internet connection to all homes and businesses. Affordability is the second most common reason for nonsubscription cited by Delawarean households who do not purchase home internet service—ranking above a lack of need for or interest in service, and slightly below service not being available. The struggle of some Delaware residents to afford broadband services, devices, and technical support restricts their ability to fully engage in the digital world. The costs associated with internet subscriptions, necessary hardware, and technical assistance disproportionately affect lower-income families in Delaware, preventing them from accessing essential online resources such as education, job opportunities, and government services. In Delaware, low-income individuals are 15.4 percentage points less likely than higher-income individuals to have a home internet subscription—highlighting the connection between affordability and internet adoption. Among Delaware households that do not subscribe to internet service of any kind, an estimated six percent report that a primary reason they do not pay for internet service at home is an inability to afford that service. Delaware's Department of Technology and Information (DTI) seeks to increase affordability of broadband services and devices through collaboration with local, state, and community partners. As lower-income households are disproportionately representative of racial and ethnic minorities, English language learners, persons with disabilities, and residents returning from incarceration, this barrier affects covered populations beyond low household income.

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month and the 34th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it’s crucial to recognize the achievements, contributions, and resilience of individuals with disabilities. The digital divide disproportionately affects people with disabilities, making it challenging for them to access the same opportunities and resources as their non-disabled peers. This gap is not just about having access to technology but also about ensuring that digital tools are usable and accessible to everyone. The Digital Equity Act programs, part of the Internet for All initiative, aim to address these challenges head-on. These programs are designed to empower individuals and communities by providing the tools, skills, and opportunities needed to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service. People with disabilities are a focus of these programs. By providing resources and support tailored to their unique needs, the Digital Equity Act helps bridge the gap, enabling greater participation in education, employment, healthcare, and civic life.

In the hour after President Biden announced he would withdraw from the 2024 campaign, most popular artificial intelligence chatbots seemed oblivious to the news. Asked directly whether he had dropped out, almost all said no or declined to give an answer. Asked who was running for president of the United States, they still listed his name. We’ve tested AI chatbots’ approach to breaking political stories and found they were largely not able to keep up with consequential real-time news. Most didn’t have current information, gave incorrect answers, or declined to answer and pushed users to check news sources. AI chatbot technology burst onto the scene two years ago, promising to revolutionize how we get information. But companies that make chatbots don’t appear ready for their AI to play a larger role in how people follow this election. 

After a campaign that started out looking like a Queens vs. Scranton rematch, Americans are all but certain to be asked to choose between two visions of the future shaped by California. One is the pioneering candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris, a Bay Area-born politician who would become both the first woman president and woman president of color. The other is former President Donald Trump, whose campaign is now increasingly powered by the idiosyncratic right-wing politics of key Silicon Valley thought leaders. As vice president, Harris has led Biden’s push to expand broadband access and supported government regulation of artificial intelligence. She’s also already garnered serious support in Silicon Valley. 

Verizon reported second-quarter 2024 results today with strong wireless service revenue, broadband subscriber growth, and continued momentum in its three financial priorities of wireless service revenue, consolidated adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow. The company remains on track to achieve its full-year 2024 financial guidance. Highlights from quarter two include:

• Total broadband net additions of 391,000. This was the eighth consecutive quarter with more than 375,000 broadband net additions.
• Total fixed wireless net additions of 378,000. At the end of second-quarter 2024, the company had a base of more than 3.8 million fixed wireless subscribers, representing an increase of nearly 69 percent year over year.
• 11.5 million total broadband subscribers as of the end of second-quarter 2024, representing a 17.2 percent increase year over year.