AARP

Too many Mainers, especially those not living in Portland, Bangor and other cities, are routinely told that a broadband internet connection is just not possible. Or, it’ll cost tens of thousands to simply run a line to where they need it. A modern, fast, internet connection has become a requirement in today’s connected world. Sadly, Maine ranks 44^th out of all US states in connectivity. If our students, businesses, and health services are going to thrive, that needs to change.

The pandemic might be the bridge to close the generational tech divide as older adults flocked to adopt technology in 2020. Usage increased across the technological spectrum, according to AARP’s annual technology survey. Older adults are streaming movies and TV shows, video-chatting with loved ones and colleagues, and buying new smart devices, such as TVs, phones, watches, tablets, home assistants, and home security. With social distancing restricting social interaction, adults 50 and older not only snatched up new devices, but also were more likely to use them daily.

The pandemic has highlighted the pressing need for high quality fixed and mobile voice and broadband services that are affordable, reliable, and robust. In the near term, there are immediate measures that the Federal Communications Commission can take to provide relief to Americans at this critical time:

As Americans age 50 and older continue to grow their adoption of personal technology at an impressive rate, this report tracks technology attitudes and behaviors among this group over time. Highlights include device ownership, online activities, attitudes toward privacy, and the use of technology to stay connected with family and friends.

Device Adoption: Portable device adoption such as smartphones and tablets continues to grow among Americans age 50+, while adoption of traditional computing has flattened or declined. Over three quarters of adults 50+ (76%) own some type of computing device (desktop, laptop, or tablet).
Online Activities: E-mail and surfing the internet top the list of activities done on a computer or tablet by Americans age 50+. Among those who own such devices, top 5 activities are sending emails (82%), surfing the internet (81%), getting news (77%), getting directions or traffic info (72%), and making purchases (70%).