The Department of Commerce has released a new report that shows a narrowing of the digital divide. From 2001 to 2009, home broadband adoption grew from 9 percent to 64 percent. Further, more than 7 out of 10 U.S. households use the Internet on a regular basis. However, the study also found that usage gaps still remain, particularly amongst rural and minority populations.

Here at Broadband for America, we feel the focus should be on achieving the key objective of the National Broadband Plan: universal broadband adoption.  Continuing to focus on divisive issues will do nothing to move the needle forward on broadband adoption. As Lawrence Strickling, assistant secretary for communications and information, said, “What the analysis shows is that we must have very targeted programs for specific populations,” in order to close the adoption gap.

While the adoption gap does remain, the report confirms the FCC’s earlier finding that 96 percent of all Americans have access to broadband. The major barriers to adoption continue to be cost, digital literacy and perceived relevance. In terms of cost, households making less than $25,000 a year saw their adoption rates raise from 3 percent to 36 percent during the 2001 to 2009 timeframe. Meanwhile, those homes making more than $75,000 annually saw their adoption rates rise from 36 percent to 92 percent during the same time.

Broadband adoption creates opportunities and saves American consumers money. The Internet Innovation Alliance found that being online can save can save an American family over $7,200 per year. This is why the National Broadband Plan, combined with private investment and non-profit contributions will help close the gaps identified in the Department of Commerce report as well as lower the barriers to adoption. 

You can read the full report here and read more about the benefits of broadband adoption here.