Despite nearly full coverage of the region with broadband internet, the digital divide still represents a major problem. Nearly a quarter of the local population of Philadelphia’s collar counties, like Montco, are in a digital desert, according the Philadelphia Patch.
The digital divide highlights how differences in access to computers and internet create barriers to opportunities both in education and employment. The Greater Philadelphia Region have broadband available throughout, but not every resident can access it.
Inhibitors include finances. A full-priced broadband package is simply not in the monthly budget for many households.
The FCC estimates that broadband availability in Montgomery County is 99 percent covered with broadband internet. Only 76 percent of the population uses (and can pay for) it.
Read more about the accessibility of broadband in the region in the Philadelphia Patch.
