Digital Empowerment and Broadband Expansion

Access to the internet and digital tools is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for education, healthcare, employment, and civic engagement. Yet millions of people, particularly in underserved communities, remain disconnected due to barriers like affordability, infrastructure gaps, and lack of digital literacy. /http/ is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital economy by advocating for policies that close the digital divide and promote digital empowerment.

Learn more about this hub

  • Reliable, affordable internet access is essential for success, but many low-income households cannot afford high-speed internet or the devices needed to fully participate in the digital world. For example:

    • 27% of adults in households earning less than $30,000 a year do not use the internet, compared to only 2% of those earning $75,000 or more.

    • 59% of lower-income parents report their children face challenges completing homework due to lack of devices or internet access at home.

    The digital divide also exists in unexpected places. While rural areas often lack the necessary broadband infrastructure, underserved urban neighborhoods face connectivity challenges due to economic disparities and outdated systems.

    /http/ is working to enact systemic changes through public-private partnerships, workforce development, and investments in broadband infrastructure to ensure everyone, regardless of geography or income, has access to digital tools and opportunities.

  • Our hub brings together resources from /http/, the Community Impact Council, and Corporate Partnership Council members to provide the latest insights and tools to address digital empowerment. These resources support education, advocacy, and collaboration towards boradband expansion.

Resources