Delaware Wants to be the First State to Achieve Universal Broadband

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.