Charlotte Digital Inclusion Experts Outline Impact Of Election On Internet Access

In their platform, the Democratic Party specifies that the Federal Communications Commission should retain network neutrality as a policy and hold internet service providers accountable. It also pledges to invest “in broadband and 5G technology, including rural and municipal broadband.” The 2016 Republican Party platform, which was extended to include this election cycle, aims “to encourage the sharing economy and on-demand platforms to compete in an open market.” The party wants to make sure that the internet continues to advance through competition-driven innovation. 

But Seth Ervin, the chief innovation officer at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, disagrees with that strategy.  “I’m for the free market,” he said. “But I don’t think (internet access) is a commodity anymore.” Ervin works with the Charlotte Digital Inclusion Alliance, which promotes digital access for underserved communities. He sees ties between internet access and socioeconomic mobility, as well as systemic racism. For example, access to the web is necessary to find a job and, during a pandemic, to even have an interview. Children are taking classes online. Patients see their doctors virtually. “The keys to (equal access) are the internet and a computer, period,” Ervin said. “How do you make sure that folks are getting an equal chance to participate in your community?” Nearly one out of every 10 households in Charlotte lacks internet access at home, Ervin said. One in five don’t have a computer.