The Digital Opportunity Index

The Digital Opportunity Index aims to fill a critical gap: the absence of objective tools that assess, encourage, and reward intentional and transparent efforts by ISPs to close the digital divide. Mainstream standards such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) indices purport to align ethical and social outcomes with financial performance. These frameworks have helped investors evaluate corporate risk and long-term value, and are often used in due diligence processes. However, ESG indices attempt to hold ISPs accountable for activities that are misaligned with ISPs’ core business activities of providing Internet connectivity services to consumers and businesses. ESG indices overlook the distinct, measurable ways ISPs can—and do—expand broadband availability and adoption. This gap risks undervaluing ISPs actively addressing the digital divide. The Digital Opportunity Index addresses that blind spot. The five indicators are:

1. Broadband availability in rural, Tribal, and low-income areas  
2. Affordability and quality of the low-cost plans offered  
3. Digital skilling resources provided  
4. Outreach (including accessibility and partnerships)  
5. Resources for affordable devices