The Digital Equity Act of 2021 appropriated $2.75 billion to support programs to improve the ability of covered populations, including older Americans, veterans, individuals living in rural areas, individuals with disabilities, low-income households, and members of racial and ethnic minorities, to participate in the digital economy.
Research and experience during the past 30 years (e.g., Briglauer et al., 2024; Röller & Waverman, 2001) provide strong evidence that the benefits of broadband connectivity and emerging uses of digital technologies generate the highest benefits if they are used across all segments of the population. This requires ubiquitous digital skills and literacy.
Empirical data show that more than 90% of jobs require digital skills (Ezell, 2021; Bergson-Shilcock et al., 2023). The lack of access and the lack of digital skills seriously disadvantage the groups identified in the Digital Equity Act from fully participating in and contributing to our digitally enabled economy and society.
Eliminating support for programs developing digital literacy will prevent or slow the adoption of cost-saving innovations in the health care sector, the provision of government services, and the adoption of emerging artificial intelligence-enabled services.
This would not only harm the individuals and locations that would be impeded in developing these necessary skills, it would have broad repercussions and harm the nation as a whole.
Further reading
Bergson-Shilcock, A., Taylor, R., & Hodge, N. (2023). Closing the Digital Skill Divide. National Skills Coalition. https://nationalskillscoalition.org/resource/publications/closing-the-digital-skill-divide/
Briglauer, W., Krämer, J., & Palan, N. (2024). Socioeconomic Benefits of High-speed Broadband Availability and Service Adoption: A survey. Telecommunications Policy, 102808.
Ezell. S. (2011). Assessing the State of Digital Skills in the U.S. Economy. Innovation Technology and Innovation Foundation. https://itif.org/publications/2021/11/29/assessing-state-digital-skills-us-economy/
Röller, L. H., & Waverman, L. (2001). Telecommunications Infrastructure and Economic Development: A Simultaneous Approach. American Economic Review, 91(4), 909-923.
