Broadband is available to most Americans, but large disparities
exist among states and localities, income levels, urban and
rural areas and racial and ethnic groups. Only 65 percent of
Americans have broadband at home even though it’s available to
95 percent. The estimated 100 million Americans who lack
broadband at home say they cannot afford it, they don’t know how
to use it, believe it is irrelevant to their lives, or can’t get
it. A new report from the Pew Center on the States finds that
states increasingly see broadband as a powerful vehicle for
driving long-term economic growth and delivering services more
efficiently and effectively. A growing number of states are
stepping up their efforts to expand high-quality, high-speed
broadband for their residents. Bringing America Up to Speed:
States’ Role in Expanding Broadband examines the national push
to ensure broadband access for all Americans. Driven by tight
budgets, states are seeking to use this technology to deliver
and improve education, public safet