Broadband Access

U.S. Media

•

30 days

Summary

sources
47
Narrative Items
75
Bottom Line Up Front

47 sources in U.S. Media are amplifying 75 narrative items relating to the narrative of addressing the digital divide. The narratives connect themes of political pledges, community initiatives, and federal funding aimed at enhancing digital equity. They highlight diverse approaches to improving internet access, emphasizing the need for collaboration, policy reform, and community empowerment.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that media sources are portraying the digital divide in various ways, shaping public perception on this critical issue. Engadget presents Kamala Harris's efforts in a positive light, highlighting the Biden administration's significant investment but contrasts it with Donald Trump's more neutral approach focused on permitting, highlighting a divergence in strategy rather than outcomes. In the Texas Tribune, the substantial federal approval for expanding broadband access is similarly portrayed positively, underscoring the scale of the allocation while acknowledging potential challenges, reflecting the loaded language surrounding the situation. Conversely, the Daily Dot adopts a more critical tone, emphasizing historical injustices impacting Indigenous communities, using emotionally charged language to advocate for a collaborative approach to development. This source and Techdirt, which highlights public concern over broadband pricing and competition issues, both reveal a progressive bias towards government intervention in tech monopolies, contrasting sharply with the more amicable narratives from New America and Pacific Daily News, which emphasize cooperative steps towards improved connectivity. Ultimately, while some outlets celebrate progress and investment, others focus on the barriers and injustices faced, offering readers different lenses through which to understand the broader implications of the digital divide.

About This Module

The U.S. Media module tracks a broad range of American media sources, including major television, cable, print, and online organizations.

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Sources

Sources by Type
Sources of these types represent most of the amplification activity around this narrative
sources by Volume
These sources are amplifying the most items involved in this narrative. Click to see details of each source's narrative activity.
Top sources
Day-by-day volumetric activity of sources amplifying the most items around this narrative
CNET
12% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Techdirt
7% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
U.S. Government Accountability Office
5% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
New America
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
The Tennessee Star
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
24/7 Wall Street
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Pacific Daily News
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Voice of San Diego
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Texas Tribune
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Politifact
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
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Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified. Click to see details and suggested messages.
Amplifiers:
Engadget
engadget.com
Election 2024: What will the candidates do about the digital divide?
Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have pledged to address the digital divide, but past efforts have yielded mixed results. Harris, emphasizing the Biden administration's $90 billion BEAD program, aims to expedite infrastructure projects. Trump, meanwhile, focuses on streamlining permitting processes for 5G deployment and satellite providers. While both candidates acknowledge the issue, their approaches differ in scale and focus.
Amplifiers:
ArcaMax
arcamax.com
Bridging the digital divide to help rural smokers quit
A Mayo Clinic study finds that digital literacy coaching for rural smokers can improve engagement with online smoking cessation programs and increase quit rates. The study highlights the importance of addressing digital equity to close the health gap for rural residents, and emphasizes the need for further research to refine these interventions and expand their use in other areas of healthcare.
Amplifiers:
Texas Tribune
feeds.texastribune.org
Feds approve Texas’ plan for $3 billion to expand broadband access
Texas received federal approval for a $3.3 billion plan to expand broadband access to its 7 million unconnected residents, the largest state allocation from the $42.45 billion BEAD program. This follows a $1 billion state investment, and challenges to the federal connectivity maps are anticipated before funds are disbursed.
Amplifiers:
Portland Press-Herald
pressherald.com
BoomerTECH Adventures: Getting there from here — bridging Midcoast Maine’s digital divide
BoomerTECH Adventures and Coastal Maine Regional Broadband are addressing the digital divide in Midcoast Maine by offering free workshops to enhance digital literacy. These sessions aim to equip library staff and community groups with resources to assist residents in accessing and using high-speed internet effectively, promoting digital equity and connectivity in rural areas.
Amplifiers:
Odessa American
oaoa.com
Feds approve Texas’ plan for $3 billion to expand broadband access - Odessa American
Texas received federal approval for its $3.3 billion plan to expand broadband access to approximately 7 million unconnected residents. This funding, from the BEAD program, is part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Before disbursement, challenges to federal connectivity maps are anticipated.
Amplifiers:
The Daily Dot
dailydot.com
The digital divide for Indian Country got better under Biden—will that progress go away?
The digital divide in Indian Country, marked by unequal internet access, is being addressed by Indigenous communities building their own broadband networks. Tribal Broadband Bootcamps empower Indigenous people to create their own ISPs, bridging the gap and promoting digital sovereignty. However, disputes with the federal government over spectrum ownership and concerns about online polarization threaten progress. The article highlights the importance of internet access for Indigenous communities and the need for collaboration to overcome historical injustices and foster a more connected future.
Amplifiers:
The Auburn Citizen
auburnpub.com
Cayuga, Cortland counties win 'longshot' bid for $26M in broadband funding
Cayuga and Cortland counties received a $26 million grant to build a regional fiber network, CNYNET, serving over 6,600 locations. This "longshot" project was funded by the federal American Rescue Plan and will bring high-speed internet access to underserved communities in the region.
Amplifiers:
New America
newamerica.org
To Withstand Emergencies Like Helene, Broadband Policies Need to Last
Jessica Dine argues that strong broadband policies are crucial for weathering extreme weather events. She emphasizes the need for consistent, consumer-friendly policies, including strong FCC enforcement and reviving the ACP program to address affordability. The author contends that the US needs to close the infrastructure gap and ensure broadband access for all, not just in times of crisis.
Amplifiers:
Techdirt
techdirt.com
Study: 76% Of U.S. Residents Want Government To Do Something About Soaring Broadband Prices
A survey found that 76% of Americans want the government to regulate broadband prices, which are skyrocketing due to regional monopolies. This lack of competition also leads to privacy and net neutrality issues. The survey also found that 86% support restoring the Affordable Connectivity Program, which was cut by Republicans. Instead of price caps, experts suggest tackling monopolies through antitrust enforcement and community-owned networks.
Amplifiers:
Pacific Daily News
guampdn.com
Portal is now open for Guam's broadband challenge
Guam has launched its broadband challenge portal, allowing residents to review and contest the accuracy of broadband service availability on a map. This is crucial for the distribution of federal BEAD funds, aiming to bring affordable, reliable internet to all. Residents are encouraged to participate and contribute to a more connected and equitable future for Guam.
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Themes

Tap or click for details
These adjacent themes are currently being amplified along with the main narrative. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Fastest Internet Plans
Comparison of the fastest internet plans in Eau Claire shows AT&T Fiber leading with speeds up to 5,000Mbps, catering to advanced connectivity needs.
Musk's ambitious plans for a next-generation spacecraft
Elon Musk aims to use Starship for moon missions and Mars exploration, replacing Falcon 9
Challenges in Court for Trump Supporters
Supporters of former President Donald Trump face setbacks in court as U.S. Supreme Court rejects election integrity lawsuit.
Fema Official's Controversial Order
Following Hurricane Milton, a Fema supervisor was terminated for directing staff to neglect homes with Trump signs, prompting an investigation by Florida's emergency management.
Horrific violations in Sudan conflict
Report details widespread abuses by both sides in Sudan conflict, with thousands killed and millions displaced
Brendan Carr's aggressive regulatory agenda
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Brendan Carr as chairman of the FCC, emphasizing a commitment to reduce regulations and confront major tech companies.
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Entities

Tap or click for details
These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Technologies
5G
Fifth generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks.
Fiber Network
High-speed internet infrastructure using fiber optic cables.
Broadband
High-capacity transmission technique for internet access.
Events
BEAD Program
Biden administration's $90 billion initiative to improve broadband infrastructure.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Legislation that includes funding for broadband expansion.
Tribal Broadband Bootcamps
Programs empowering Indigenous communities to build their own broadband networks.
People
Kamala Harris
Vice President of the United States, advocating for digital equity through infrastructure programs.
Donald Trump
Former President of the United States, focusing on streamlining processes for 5G and satellite deployment.
Jessica Dine
Advocate for strong broadband policies to address infrastructure gaps and affordability.
Organizations
Mayo Clinic
Conducted a study on digital literacy coaching for rural smokers.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
U.S. government agency responsible for regulating broadband policies.
Companies
BoomerTECH Adventures
Organization offering digital literacy workshops in Maine.
Coastal Maine Regional Broadband
Provider working to enhance digital literacy and access in rural Maine.
Technologies
5G
Fifth generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks.
Fiber Network
High-speed internet infrastructure using fiber optic cables.
Broadband
High-capacity transmission technique for internet access.
Events
BEAD Program
Biden administration's $90 billion initiative to improve broadband infrastructure.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Legislation that includes funding for broadband expansion.
Tribal Broadband Bootcamps
Programs empowering Indigenous communities to build their own broadband networks.
People
Kamala Harris
Vice President of the United States, advocating for digital equity through infrastructure programs.
Donald Trump
Former President of the United States, focusing on streamlining processes for 5G and satellite deployment.
Jessica Dine
Advocate for strong broadband policies to address infrastructure gaps and affordability.
Organizations
Mayo Clinic
Conducted a study on digital literacy coaching for rural smokers.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
U.S. government agency responsible for regulating broadband policies.
Companies
BoomerTECH Adventures
Organization offering digital literacy workshops in Maine.
Coastal Maine Regional Broadband
Provider working to enhance digital literacy and access in rural Maine.

Context

The digital divide in the United States highlights significant demographic, social, economic, and political challenges, particularly affecting rural and underserved communities. As technology becomes increasingly integral to daily life, disparities in internet access can exacerbate existing inequalities in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. For instance, studies show that rural residents, including Indigenous communities, often lack reliable internet, hindering their ability to engage in essential services like telehealth and online education.

Efforts to bridge this divide, such as the Biden administration's BEAD program and state initiatives in Texas and Maine, aim to expand broadband access. However, these initiatives face hurdles, including challenges to federal connectivity maps and the need for effective digital literacy programs. The Mayo Clinic study underscores the importance of digital literacy in improving health outcomes, particularly for rural smokers, indicating that access alone is insufficient without the skills to utilize it effectively.

Political responses to the digital divide vary, with candidates like Kamala Harris advocating for large-scale infrastructure investments, while Donald Trump emphasizes regulatory streamlining for technology deployment. Public sentiment reflects a desire for government intervention in regulating broadband prices and restoring programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program, which suggests a growing awareness of the need for equitable access.

Geographically, regions like Indian Country are taking innovative approaches to build their own broadband networks, promoting digital sovereignty. However, disputes over spectrum ownership and historical injustices complicate these efforts. Overall, addressing the digital divide is not just a technological issue but a multifaceted challenge that intersects with national security, economic stability, and social equity, necessitating collaborative solutions across various sectors.
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World Events
Tap or roll over dots to see representative headlines
Stock & Crypto Dynamics