Someone kindly sent me an interesting article on the digital divide. There’s nothing very new about the statistics if you’ve been following broadband a while. BUT I haven’t written about adoption for a while and I think it’s a good reminder than while ubiquitous coverage is important – it’s only half the battle. We’ve got to get people using broadband too.

I see the affordability is top of the list of non-adopters. It’s one reason I was glad to hear that the Minnesota Broadband Task Force would be tackling the issue this year!

In a recent broadband adoption study, the barriers facing those who are currently not connected were examined, and the following are the report highlights: Broadband use at home

• 65% of adults use Broadband at home
• 22% do not use the Internet at all

A view of the non-adopter

• 57% of non-adopters are woman
• 39% of non-adopters are people with disabilities
• 11% of non-adopters are college graduates
• 32% of non-adopters are age 65 or older
• 43% of non-adopters live in households with annual incomes of $20,000 or less
• 24% of non-adopters live in rural areas

Main Reasons for not being a broadband adopter

• Affordability Related (Computer, Monthly Fees, Activation) – 30%

• Lack of Relevance or Importance – 26%

• Computer or Internet Skills Related – 16%

• Not Available – 2%

• None of the Above, Combination, Other Reasons – 23%