New Survey Highlights How the Digital Divide is Shrinking

In the U.S., the digital divide is narrowing — but it’s not gone yet. According to a recent analysis by Reviews.org, nearly 8 million American households remain offline, even as internet adoption continues to rise. (reviews.org) This persistence of disconnected homes underscores why programs like BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) are so critical: they’re not just about improving internet infrastructure, they’re about making the promise of connectivity real for more families.

A Snapshot of National Connectivity

• As of 2024, about 7.9 million U.S. households (6.29%) lack an internet subscription.
• That’s a big improvement — down from approximately 10.2 million unconnected households in 2023.
• Among those who do have internet: 88.7% use broadband (DSL, cable, fiber), 6.7% use satellite, and just 0.1% still rely on dial-up.
• Looking back, the “offline population” has shrunk dramatically: from nearly 27 million households in 2015 to under 8 million in 2024.

These trends show real momentum — but they also highlight the work that remains. That’s where BEAD and smart technology partners come in.

BEAD is Making a Difference

Thanks to the $42.45 billion BEAD Program, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, states are getting the resources they need to fund broadband expansion in underserved areas. Through BEAD, states can support multiple technologies — fiber, fixed wireless, satellite — depending on what makes the most sense locally.

In fact, 53 out of 56 states and territories have now submitted their Final Proposals for review. NTIA has committed to completing its review of the Final Proposals within 90 days of submission. The remaining 3 eligible entities have been granted short-term extensions and will be submitting their Final Proposals in the coming weeks. Updates and status of each state’s funding can be tracked through NTIA’s BEAD Progress Dashboard.

These investments are not just about getting people online — they’re about giving communities better access to education, health care, economic opportunity, and social connection.

Looking Ahead

With BEAD funding and technology innovations like those from ETI Software, the country is poised to make real leaps in broadband equity.

• Programs like BEAD give states the flexibility to deploy broadband in the way that makes sense locally, not just one-size-fits-all.
• Software developers like ETI help providers stretch their dollars further, operate more efficiently, and support better service quality.
• As more households come online, the social and economic returns are huge — access to telehealth, remote learning, small-business growth, and civic engagement are all within reach.

That said, progress requires sustained effort: funding must continue, providers must build responsibly, and policymakers must support adoption (not just infrastructure). Together, we can virtually eliminate the digital divide.

© 2025 Enhanced Telecommunications.