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According to the FCC, approximately 19 million Americans lack high speed internet . In a world where things are becoming more and more digital, high speed internet will soon become a utility. The recent COVID-19 pandemic brought to light all the children that lacked internet which is causing a void of quality education and opportunities. Cost and lack of infrastructure accounts for approximately 36% why kids aged 3-18 don't have internet in their household .
This lack of high speed internet and devices to use them on defines the digital divide. Although it seems like the digital divide is growing exponentially, it's actually shrinking . This is due in part to the efforts of government and social programs helping underserved communities get connected to the internet and be educated on technology. However, at the pace that innovation is moving, if the digital divide isn't bridged, the population of people that don't have internet will be left in the dust when the
With the digital divide bridged, one of the amazing things that happens is that the elderly will finally be able to keep in contact with their families, doctors, or have a means of contacting emergency services. Without this, a lot of elders can miss appointments, miss important news about their family, or even pass due to not having a smart phone in order to call emergency services from wherever they are.