When it comes to broadband Internet access in America, the gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” is widening, suggests a Pew Research report released on Wednesday called “Home Broadband Adoption 2008.” On the whole, about 55% of all Americans today have a high-speed Internet connection, up from only 47% in 2007, according to results released this week by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. In addition, three groups within the total US population showed especially strong increases in broadband adoption this year: rural Americans (up 23% since 2007); lower-middle income Americans, with household incomes between $20,000 and $40,000 (up 24%); and older Americans, aged 50 and over (up 25%). This growth rate of 17% represents an overall rise in comparison to the 12% growth rate demonstrated in the 2007 edition of the study.
On the other hand, among African Americans, broadband access rose only slightly, from 40% to 43%. Moreover, in households with annual incomes below $20,000, access actually fell over the year, dropping from 28% to 25%. Meanwhile, pricing for broadband access looks likely to have fallen from 2007 to 2008, as well. The authors of the study report a four percent decline in average broadband prices over the past two-and-a-half years or so, from $36 per month in December 2005 to $34.50 per month in April 2008.
Broadband more common by 17% in USA
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