The “digital divide” refers to the gap between individuals who have access to modern information and communication technology (ICT)—such as computers, smartphones, and high-speed internet—and those who do not. This divide disproportionately impacts low-income households, rural areas, and underserved communities, exacerbating existing economic and social disparities. According to a Pew Research Center study, 23% of adults in low-income households reported not owning a computer in 2021, while 43% lacked broadband internet access. This lack of access puts individuals at a significant disadvantage when it comes to education, career advancement, and participation in a rapidly digitizing economy.
Over the past two decades, the digital divide has evolved significantly, but gaps in access to technology and the internet remain substantial. Understanding the trajectory of this divide from 2000 to 2023 helps highlight the progress made and the challenges that persist.
In the early 2000s, internet access began to spread rapidly in developed nations. However, large segments of the population remained offline, particularly in low-income and rural communities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2000, only 51% of American households had internet access, and a much smaller percentage—around 6%—had high-speed broadband. Many people relied on slower dial-up connections, which limited their ability to participate fully in online activities.
At that time, broadband infrastructure was primarily concentrated in urban areas, and the high costs associated with building out this infrastructure in rural regions created significant disparities in internet access. Meanwhile, the global digital divide was even more pronounced, with less than 10% of the world’s population having access to the internet in 2000, according to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Throughout the 2010s, broadband internet access expanded considerably, fueled by government programs and private sector investment. By 2010, 68% of U.S. households had broadband internet access, and the rapid adoption of smartphones also began to close the digital divide in some respects. Smartphones offered a more affordable and accessible way for many people, particularly those in low-income and rural communities, to connect to the internet. According to Pew Research, 35% of Americans owned a smartphone in 2011, and this number rose to 77% by 2018.
However, disparities in access persisted. A Pew Research Center study from 2013 found that 70% of adults in households earning more than $75,000 annually had broadband at home, compared to just 37% of adults in households earning less than $30,000. Similarly, urban areas continued to outpace rural areas in broadband access. By 2018, 24 million Americans still lacked access to high-speed internet, with 80% of those living in rural or tribal areas.
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased the importance of internet access for education, work, healthcare, and daily life. As schools and businesses shifted to remote operations, the digital divide became a critical issue for millions of people. In 2020, Pew Research reported that 15% of U.S. households with school-aged children did not have high-speed internet at home, and roughly 35% of lower-income households with children faced the same issue. Many students and workers struggled to stay connected during the pandemic, relying on public Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots to participate in remote activities.
The pandemic also revealed stark racial and ethnic disparities in internet access. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in 2020, 31% of Hispanic households and 36% of Black households did not have broadband at home, compared to 21% of White households.
As of 2023, the digital divide has narrowed, but it is far from being eliminated. According to Pew Research, 93% of U.S. adults now use the internet, but disparities in broadband access remain. While 92% of adults in households earning over $100,000 annually have broadband at home, only 57% of adults in households earning less than $30,000 report the same. This persistent gap highlights ongoing challenges for low-income families.
Rural areas continue to face barriers to broadband access. In 2021, the Federal Communications Commission estimated that 14.5 million Americans still lacked access to broadband internet, with the majority living in rural areas. Although government programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program and the infrastructure investments made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aim to address these gaps, rural communities remain disproportionately affected.
These statistics reflect progress in closing the digital divide but also emphasize that significant challenges remain, particularly for rural and low-income communities. The digital divide continues to impact educational outcomes, job opportunities, and access to essential services for millions of people across the country.
As the digital divide persists, it deepens inequities in various sectors such as economic opportunities, education, healthcare, and access to essential services. The COVID-19 pandemic brought this issue to the forefront as millions of students struggled with online learning due to lack of reliable internet access, and remote workers faced significant connectivity challenges. A 2020 study by Common Sense Media found that 15 to 16 million K-12 public school students in the U.S. lived in homes with inadequate internet or devices needed for distance learning. Similarly, nearly 300,000 teachers lacked sufficient internet access, severely limiting the potential for quality education during school closures.
In the workplace, employees without access to digital tools are more likely to face barriers to remote work, stifling productivity and income-earning potential. The digital economy has shifted the landscape of job opportunities, with the majority of well-paying jobs requiring digital literacy. A 2021 report from Deloitte estimates that by 2030, 85% of jobs will require digital skills. Without adequate intervention, underserved communities may be left further behind as industries continue to evolve toward a technology-driven future.
In some areas, targeted initiatives have successfully bridged the digital divide, creating opportunities for underserved communities:
Underserved communities, often concentrated in rural areas, inner cities, or economically distressed regions, are most affected by the digital divide. These communities frequently lack the necessary infrastructure, like high-speed broadband, or face affordability challenges, making it difficult for residents to access the internet and the tools needed for modern life.
In response, the federal government introduced Opportunity Zones as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. These zones are designated areas in economically disadvantaged regions where investors are incentivized through tax breaks to support businesses and development projects. While Opportunity Zones primarily focus on boosting economic development through real estate and business investments, they also present a crucial opportunity to close the digital divide. Investments in technology infrastructure, such as broadband expansion, in these zones can uplift communities by enabling residents to engage in online education, job training, and telehealth services, thus promoting economic mobility.
Addressing the digital divide requires collaboration between governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Solutions like expanding broadband access through public-private partnerships, offering subsidies for low-income families, and providing digital literacy training are critical to leveling the playing field. Federal programs like the Emergency Broadband Benefit have taken steps to make internet services more affordable by offering discounts to qualifying households. However, long-term investments in infrastructure and education are essential to ensure that underserved communities can fully participate in the digital economy.
Governments are also exploring further broadband expansions, with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 allocating $65 billion toward improving internet access across the U.S., with a particular focus on rural and low-income areas. This historic investment is a step in the right direction, but continued efforts will be necessary to close the gap entirely.
The digital divide is more than just an issue of access to technology—it’s a barrier to equal opportunity. As we continue to witness the rapid digitization of society, ensuring that every individual has the tools and skills needed to succeed in this new economy is paramount. By prioritizing underserved communities, investing in digital infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships, we can begin to close the digital divide and create a more equitable future for all.
