How Satellite Internet Is Bridging The Digital Divide

The digital divide is a term often used to describe the imbalance of Internet access between varying degrees of economic status and location around the globe. Even in wealthy countries like the United States, not everybody has easy access to the Internet. Despite the growing technological advances the Internet has made in our time, the unfortunate reality is that these advances do not always make it to all levels of our society.

Facts and Factors

There are many factors that can cause the digital divide. Urban and suburban communities are the most connected when it comes to high speed Internet. Rural areas are more remote and secluded and may not be offered these services due to their locations. The cost of Internet isn’t exactly cheap either. Lower income households may not be able to afford a suitable Internet connection regardless of where they are living. According to a study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, only 46% of households that make under $30k annually have broadband Internet access at home. Fortunately, the growth of satellite Internet is helping to close the gap on the digital divide.

When compared to traditional broadband Internet, there are some companies that are offering satellite Internet at an accessible cost that is substantially lower than competitors. This gives low income households the opportunity to subscribe to an Internet connection without feeling like they have to fork over a life savings. Some companies even charge less than the typical price for cable. Technological advances have helped increase the viability of satellite Internet. This and the lower costs are allowing more and more people around the world to gain access to broadband Internet services.

Social Impact: Making the Local Go Global (and vice versa)

Satellite Internet is also solving the localization problem that many rural people face when trying to connect to the web. In the past, you didn’t get high speed Internet unless you lived near a high speed Internet connection. Satellite Internet providers are now offering Internet to virtually anybody, even if you live hundreds of miles from your closest neighbor. This is because satellite communications are universally global in how far they can reach. They’€™re able to connect people in Philadelphia with people living on the most remote islands of the Pacific. Satellite Internet providers are offering top of the line Internet services to rural and urban customers alike in an effort to help better connect the global community.

Overall, this means people all over the world are gaining access to widespread, low-cost Internet and they’re learning how to utilize its benefits. Social media avenues like Twitter have already demonstrated the importance of Internet access in developing nations. Demonstrators around the world have been live-documenting horrible crimes against humanity enforced by totalitarian regimes and police forces by snapping photos and uploading them instantly. This impact on society is just one example of why the equal distribution of Internet access is important. Not only do we get a view of the world around us, but people everywhere should have access to information. Something as simple as Wikipedia can enlighten the mind and spark an interest. Satellite Internet is helping to bridge the divide and usher the Information Age across the global spectrum.