Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy · 2020 · 415 citations · 10 references
Social SciencesEducational TechnologyDigital CommunicationRural DevelopmentRural SociologyDigital AccessDigital DivideDigital Public Service DeliveryOnline LearningRural Service DeliveryRural Service ProvisionAccess To Online EducationActivitiesEducational Digital DivideGeographic Barriers To Digital AccessInternet Access In SchoolsRural Digital AccessRural Digital DivideSocioeconomic Barriers To Digital Access
The COVID‑19 pandemic exposed the digital divide, as many households—especially in rural areas—lacked sufficient or affordable Internet access to participate in essential online activities. County‑level analysis revealed a negative correlation between rurality and Internet speed, underscoring the persistent connectivity gap in rural regions.
The digital divide limits opportunities for those without ready access to Internet. Movement online of essential activities during COVID-19 took inadequate Internet service from inconvenient to emergency/crisis for many households. A negative correlation between rurality and Internet speed was found at the county level, highlighting the struggle for rural areas. Schools tackle challenges of providing equitable educational access by attempting to provide access for students, while even households with service available struggle to maintain sufficient speeds and/or can afford it. Essential activities moved online, yet sufficient Internet is an essential public service that remains unattainable for many US households.
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