Research Shows Broadband Adoption Related to Clear Need for Its Use

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The final day of the Telecommunications Policy Research Conference looked at broadband adoption and universality. The problems addressed are key in helping the government determine how broadband is being adopted and where intervention is necessary.

The panel on adoption included a presentation by John Horrigan from the Federal Communications Commission, who showed that non-adopters claim price is a major factor in their lack of access. When controlling for price, however, the paper found that one of the most powerful factors to get non-adopters to subscribe is the support of a social network that includes adopters. This theory is key to the FCC's digital literacy corps program. That initiative aims to train young people in technology in the hopes that they in turn will teach their families and communities. The lack of a social network that finds the Internet useful may be key in why the final non-adopters do not use the Internet. If these individuals do not have any adopters in their social network then they are not exposed to the benefits of broadband.

Janice Hauge from the University of North Texas discussed her paper on demand side policies that reinforced Horrigan's findings by showing that when individuals find technology relevant they are more likely to adopt it. "A program should motivate non-users to adopt, make broadband affordable, employ content in the training that relates to everyday life or the use of public services, and focus on the accessibility and usability of broadband and online services."

Nocil Tuner-Lee from the Joint Center observed that among African Americans, younger people are actively helping their community learn about the value of the Internet. This research mimics findings that the Rural Electrification Administration found in the 1930s when trying to expand electricity. The final panel of the day looked at the issues surrounding universal access. While it is clear to both the FCC and researchers that the Universal Service Fund is broken, there are numerous possible solutions.


Research Shows Broadband Adoption Related to Clear Need for Its Use