Long time listeners know I’m tracking heavily on broadband access, particularly in the US. Let’s hit the new data first. BroadbandNow is reporting that as of December, 70% of Americans had access to a low priced broadband plan. That’s defined as $60 a month or less. That’s up from 52% at the end of 2019.
Remember, that’s the FCC minimum 25/3 combo. If you want more, just 30% of Americans have access to low priced plans that bring 100Meg speeds.
It’s inconsistent. Rhode Island, the smallest state, has 98.4% access to coverage. 84.% have access to affordable plans. In California, 81% have access to the speeds, but only 18.% could afford the same coverage.
This is expansion of data presented last week.
Why do we care?
I start with the fact that lack of broadband access is holding sectors back. That’s why we care.
In the “What should I do?”, look in your geographic market. Understand where you can’t deliver services, and then make your elected officials aware of that. This is an easy to sell position – broadband access opens markets. It creates opportunity.
So make them aware.
Source: Gizmodo
