Minding the broadband access age gap

Census data shows what models, samples and estimates cannot. Actual responses surveying access to technology can highlight regional gaps in broadband access – despite all the talk about broadband availability ‘everywhere’ and multiple federal programs over the years trying to make it so. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) explains why broadband access is important, even critical: senior learning programs, telehealth access, streaming video, and shopping. Let’s add social communication for communities and family, such as Zoom and FaceTime.

Why broadband access matters. For the young, perhaps smartphones are enough technology to find and do what you need. But probably not. Smartphones are feasible for one-to-one conversations, but beyond 1-1, broadband is an enabler for working at home, managing finances, socializing with long distance family, participating in meetings, school projects, the list is endless. And fortunately for the younger population, broadband access is widespread among younger age groups.

Why hasn’t broadband access fully reached the population aged 75+? Most Americans have access to broadband today – although costs vary. In addition, the American Broadband Initiative (ABI) launched in February 2023, focused on getting broadband speeds out to rural areas. In the meantime, satellite access is increasingly widespread.  With broadband speeds becoming ubiquitous and the benefits becoming obvious, it begs the question about older adults who lack it. As life expectancy for the 65+ lengthens into the 80s, what does it mean if the older population lacks broadband access? Across all geographic regions, the census data shows that broadband access is regional, but even within well-to-do regions, fewer than 50% of the oldest ages have broadband. The broadband gap for older adults keeps those individuals on the outside of the mainstream of American communication, which likely cuts them off services, particularly health-related, that would be even more critical as they age.  See charts below. 

Lowest broadband adoption for age 75+ households in the US

Highest broadband adoption for age 75+ households in the US

Source: American Community Survey 2023 (latest available data, comprised of more than 1 million surveys)

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