The Inequality of the Internet Exposed by COVID-19
In 2019, 9 out of 10 American adults used the internet.
For a long time the cable companies such as Comcast and AT&T have had to shoulder the innovation cost of the internet. Companies such as eBay, Google, Amazon or even Craigslist would have taken longer to come about had there been an infrastructure tax built into the internet.
Thankfully there isn’t - however, the impact of an unbalanced trade can create underlying problems for the future.
With the speed at which COVID-19 moved, it has exposed the imbalance brought by changing human interactions in working environments. Instead of going to the office, you wake up in your office. For many of us who earn a living online - it’s not the end of the world. In fact, it might be advantageous. On the other side of that coin are the diminishing opportunities caused by the inequality gap in internet access.
1 out of 10 American adults are not connected to the internet. It will be the new age equivalent of saying 10% of the population is unemployed.
The United States in 2019 ranked 30th for Mobile speed connectivity and averages in the top tier of nations in terms of averages. This map shows how some of Western Europe, Canada, US, Scandanavia and South Korea lead the world in terms of user average speed.
But even within the United States, and in territories such as Puerto Rico; areas exist that suffer from connectivity issues and lack resilient infrastructure to absorb a majority work from home population.
Kenrick M. Gordon, director of the Governor’s Office of Rural Broadband said those relying on a wireless or cellular network for internet access could experience network slowdowns because of data caps and greater difficulty in adjusting for higher usage.
The data cap concern is nonexistent as broadband companies have opted to waive those fees and actions for 60 days.
The real concern is that all previous broadband/cable models of average daily data consumption are based on just that - averages.
Susan likes to watch Netflix - so she watches Netflix after she comes back home from work where she is a chef.
Susan’s restaurant closes - so she starts making cooking videos
David likes to play video games - so he plays video games after he comes back home from working out.
David can’t work out anymore - so he starts live streaming his games
The closer we shift towards remote, work/study-from-home societies due to external circumstances, the greater the demand for data - which is through an inflated value prices out individuals.
The minimum amount of required data per person, will increase. The individuals ability to meet broadband providers price point for an internet package across all demographics, will not and innovation will meet another roadblock.