High-Speed Internet - Children in Georgia

Georgia

High-speed (or broadband) internet is an essential resource for work, education and effective communication. The United Nations has declared access to the internet a basic human right, citing its importance for social and economic development. Researchers have also identified access to high-speed internet as a social determinant of health. Broadband access can enhance social connectedness by alleviating social isolation, strengthening community support and reducing feelings of loneliness. 

Internet access was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many employers and educators transitioned to remote work and learning. High-speed internet remains vital for accessing healthcare via telehealth, a service that has become increasingly common since the pandemic. Lack of access to high-speed internet can limit educational and economic opportunities and sources of social interaction. Despite its necessity, significant barriers remain to accessing high-speed internet.

Broadband internet access is higher among:

• Children with a caregiver who graduated from college compared with children whose caregivers have less than a high school education.
• Children living in higher-income households compared with those living in lower-income households.
• Children living in urban/metropolitan areas compared with those who live in rural areas or on tribal lands.
• Asian children compared with American Indian/Alaska Native children.

Cost can be a significant barrier to accessing high-speed internet at home. State policies and programs to make broadband internet more affordable and accessible include:

• Providing financing and incentives for organizations and companies working to expand broadband infrastructure.
• Implementing policies that require or encourage installing internet infrastructure during construction on other public infrastructure projects such as roads, sidewalks or telephone poles.
• Investing in broadband grant initiatives like the Broadband Infrastructure Program, which awarded more than $282 million in 2022 to projects that are expected to serve more than 140,000 unconnected households, 6,700 businesses and 585 community anchor institutions across 14 states and territories when construction is complete. This infrastructure development has enhanced public health by improving access to telehealth services, emergency response communications and digital health resources, particularly for rural communities and low-income households with limited healthcare access.

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

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Gajarawala, Shilpa N., and Jessica N. Pelkowski. “Telehealth Benefits and Barriers.” The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 17, no. 2 (February 2021): 218–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.013.

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