Digital Divide

With COVID-19, many aspects of life have transitioned to online formats, and internet access has become even more important. This has resulted in a widening digital divide — as of 2022, 24 million Americansdid not have accessto high-speed internet. This can affect quality-of-life factors fromeducationtohealth care. Increased awareness of the impacts of the digital divide has led to an increase in funding for digital equity and inclusion, much of which is coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law'sallocationof $65 billion towards this effort. The expansion of broadband internet and cybersecurity measures to reduce digital vulnerability are currently among the top priorities for governments. PAS Report 569,Planning and Broadband: Infrastructure, Policy, and Sustainability, explains how planners can address this challenge in their communities. This dynamic is further explored in the APA podcast, "How COVID-19 Has Underscored the Digital Divide."