BROADBAND ACCESS: WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY- AN ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR HISPANICS

By Rafael. A. Fantauzzi,

President & CEO

National Puerto Rican Coalition

It is well known there is a digital divide in America, where not all Americans have been able to take advantage of the opportunities created by broadband technology.

Fortunately, a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center offers encouragement that this divide may be closing.  According to the findings, Hispanics are using wireless devices to access to the Internet at a greater rate than most Americans.  87% of Hispanics and African Americans own cell phones, compared to just 80% of whites, and nearly two-thirds of Hispanics and African Americans access the Internet wirelessly.  

In addition to outpacing whites in terms of wireless Internet use, Hispanics and African Americans are more likely to use handheld devices for routine activities, such as making online purchases.  Furthermore, they are more likely to use mobile Internet devices as a means of maintaining contact through the use of social networking sites.

This study illuminates the importance of wireless technology as an onramp for broadband connectivity.  Wireless devices offer a convenient and affordable way to access the Internet.   As the Internet continues to play an important role in nearly every aspect of 21^st century American life, mobile devices equipped with Internet functions open an entirely new window of opportunity for those who lack a home computer or broadband in their homes.

Wireless technology grants users access to an abundance of applications, including educational and medical services and economic resources, which have the ability to change lives and transform communities. Thanks to the affordability of wireless Internet, people without the luxury of broadband access at home have the ability to tap into these opportunities.

However, despite these gains, a significant number of our citizens still lack the ability to regularly access the Internet and we must remain focused on expanding access to those without it.  The National Puerto Rican Coalition (NPRC) was an enthusiastic supporter of the National Broadband Plan and its objective of 100% broadband access.  We encourage the FCC to follow through with the implementation of the Plan to get all Americans connected.  Achieving universal broadband access should take priority over policies like the FCC’s recent “third way” proposal, which could inadvertently jeopardize the affordability and availability of broadband services.  Let us hope that the FCC’s decision does not undermine the trend of increased broadband adoption in underserved communities. 

Wireless and wireline services are indeed helping to bridge the digital divide.  As more Hispanics take advantage of affordable means of accessing the Internet, and as its ability to serve as a tool capable of providing vital services becomes clearer, let us hope that the growth of broadband will continue and that one day soon, all will be able to benefit from the opportunities made available through high speed Internet.