High-speed Internet

High-speed Internet in United States

United States

High-speed internet, also known as broadband internet, is an important resource for work, education and efficient communication. Access to the internet is a human right according to the United Nations, citing the internet’s importance for social and economic development. Researchers have also recently identified access to high-speed internet as a social determinant of health. It has been especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many employers and educators have transitioned to remote work and learning. The internet has also helped people stay connected to family and friends and offset social isolation during quarantine. Moreover, having high-speed internet is vital for receiving health care via telehealth.

Despite its necessity, there are barriers to high-speed internet access, including cost and deficient infrastructure. Lack of access to high-speed internet can restrict access to basic government services, educational and economic opportunities, accessible health care through telemedicine and avenues for social connectedness.

Rural communities and racial and ethnic minority populations are particularly affected by restrictions of education and telehealth services caused by the lack of high-speed internet access. 

The prevalence of high-speed internet is higher among:

• Asian, multiracial and white households compared with American Indian/Alaska Native and Black households.
• Those with a college degree compared with those with less than a high school education.
• Those with annual household incomes of $75,000 or more compared with those with incomes less than $20,000.
• Those living in urban areas compared with those living in rural areas.

One of the barriers to accessing high-speed internet at home is cost. Additional barriers include available internet speed, infrastructure, digital literacy and access to infrastructure and devices. State policies and strategies that improve broadband internet access include:

• Providing financing and incentives for organizations and companies working to improve access to high-speed internet services.
• Improving access to publicly-owned infrastructure that supports the implementation of high-speed internet services.

Households eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are able to receive discounted or no-cost high-speed internet. Individuals can see the program's eligibility requirements and apply online.

Healthy People 2030 has a goal to increase the proportion of adults with broadband internet access.

Anderson, Monica. 2019. “Mobile Technology and Home Broadband 2019.” Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2019/06/13/mobile-technology-and-home-broadband-2019/.

Bauerly, Brittney Crock, Russell F. McCord, Rachel Hulkower, and Dawn Pepin. 2019. “Broadband Access as a Public Health Issue: The Role of Law in Expanding Broadband Access and Connecting Underserved Communities for Better Health Outcomes.” The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics 47 (S2): 39–42. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073110519857314.

Gajarawala, Shilpa N., and Jessica N. Pelkowski. 2021. “Telehealth Benefits and Barriers.” The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 17 (2): 218–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.013.

Graves, Janessa M., Demetrius A. Abshire, Solmaz Amiri, and Jessica L. Mackelprang. 2021. “Disparities in Technology and Broadband Internet Access across Rurality: Implications for Health and Education.” Family & Community Health 44 (4): 257–65. https://doi.org/10.1097/FCH.0000000000000306.

Greenberg-Worisek, Alexandra J., Shaheen Kurani, Lila J. Finney Rutten, Kelly D. Blake, Richard P. Moser, and Bradford W. Hesse. 2019. “Tracking Healthy People 2020 Internet, Broadband, and Mobile Device Access Goals: An Update Using Data From the Health Information National Trends Survey.” Journal of Medical Internet Research 21 (6): e13300. https://doi.org/10.2196/13300.

Julien, Howard M., Lauren A. Eberly, and Srinath Adusumalli. 2020. “Telemedicine and the Forgotten America.” Circulation 142 (4): 312–14. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.048535.

McClain, Colleen, Emily A. Vogels, Andrew Perrin, Stella Sechopoulos, and Lee Rainie. 2021. “The Internet and the Pandemic.” Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/09/01/the-internet-and-the-pandemic/.

Nowland, Rebecca, Elizabeth A. Necka, and John T. Cacioppo. 2018. “Loneliness and Social Internet Use: Pathways to Reconnection in a Digital World?” Perspectives on Psychological Science 13 (1): 70–87. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617713052.

Vogels, Emily A., Andrew Perrin, Lee Rainie, and Monica Anderson. 2020. “53% of Americans Say the Internet Has Been Essential During the COVID-19 Outbreak.” Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/04/30/53-of-americans-say-the-internet-has-been-essential-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/.