Why Some People Still Don’t Have Internet Access

By: Alisa Adzhemyan

Access to the internet has become essential for school, work, healthcare, and communication. Despite this, millions of people in the United States and around the world still do not have reliable internet access. This gap is known as the digital divide, the inequality between individuals who have access to digital tools and those who do not. Although internet access is more widespread than ever, several key factors continue to limit connectivity for many communities.

One major cause of the digital divide is economic inequality. High-speed internet can be expensive, particularly for low-income households. Many families must prioritize basic needs like food, rent, and utilities before paying for broadband service. In addition, the cost of devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones can create additional financial barriers. According to researchers, affordability remains one of the strongest predictors of whether a household will be disconnected (Marmot, 2020). Even when discounted plans exist, many families are not aware of them or do not qualify.

Another factor is geographic access. Rural and remote areas often lack the infrastructure required for high-speed internet. Internet service providers may avoid building networks in these regions because the cost is high and the number of potential customers is low. As a result, rural communities frequently rely on slow, outdated, or unreliable connections. This infrastructure gap makes it difficult for residents to participate fully in online learning, telehealth, or remote work opportunities (Johnson, 2021).

Educational barriers also contribute to the digital divide. Some people may have devices and internet access but lack the digital literacy skills needed to use online tools effectively. This especially affects older adults and individuals who did not grow up using technology. Without proper training or support, they may feel intimidated or frustrated by digital platforms. Limited digital skills can prevent people from accessing important resources such as job applications, government services, or online banking.

A fourth issue is language and cultural barriers. Communities that primarily speak languages other than English may struggle to use websites, resources, or support systems that are not multilingual. Cultural distrust of technology or concerns about privacy can also discourage people from adopting digital tools (Reddy, 2024). These challenges show that improving internet access requires more than just expanding broadband networks.

The digital divide affects education, employment, health care, and civic engagement. Students without reliable internet struggle to complete homework or participate in online classes. Adults without access cannot apply for jobs, communicate with employers, or attend virtual appointments. As society becomes increasingly digital, the consequences of being offline grow more severe.

Efforts to close the digital divide include government programs, nonprofit initiatives, and school-based technology support. Expanding broadband infrastructure, offering affordable service plans, and providing digital literacy training are key steps toward ensuring equal access. Addressing the digital divide is essential for creating a more equitable society where everyone can participate in the digital world.

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Works Cited

Johnson, K. R., & Persico, C. (2024). Broadband internet access, economic growth, and wellbeing (By National Bureau of Economic Research; Working Paper 32517). National Bureau of Economic Research. http://www.nber.org/papers/w32517 

Bell, P. (2024, April 14). Part 1. Rural Internet Access: deployment and availability. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2004/02/17/part-1-rural-internet-access-deployment-and-availability/?utm_source 

Marmot, A., & Etezadi-Amoli, M. (2020). Determinants of broadband access and affordability: An analysis of a community survey on the digital divide. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32921864/

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