The Microsoft Digital Equity Data Dashboard has been refreshed with new data from the FCC, United States Census Bureau, Code.org, Broadband Now, and Microsoft. This update provides federal, state, and local policymakers with valuable insights into the factors contributing to the digital divide across the United States.
Originally launched in 2022 as part of the Airband Initiative, the dashboard offers critical data on local broadband gaps. This allows decision-makers to make data-driven decisions and maximize investments in areas most in need. The update allows for tracking historical broadband data to analyze trends and assess progress resulting from government and private sector investments.
One key finding is that all states, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, have seen an increase in the number of households with broadband connections and the number of households with laptops or desktops. The most significant changes were observed in households earning less than $20,000. This group experienced an average increase of over 10.8 percentage points in internet connectivity, representing nearly 325,000 additional connected households.
Microsoft believes in the value of data, and this dashboard refresh is a further step in the ongoing effort to close the digital divide worldwide.
Bridging the Rural Broadband Gap in the United States
In 2017, Microsoft launched the Airband Initiative with the clear goal of bridging the rural broadband gap in the U.S. Government data from that year indicated at least 23.4 million people across the country lacked access to reliable high-speed internet, creating barriers to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Studies also revealed a link between increased broadband access and usage in rural areas and positive economic outcomes, such as higher property values, job and population growth, increased entrepreneurship, and lower unemployment rates. This data underscored the urgent need to address the digital divide.
Microsoft’s approach involved private sector investment, innovative technologies, and advocacy for regulatory and financial support to improve connectivity. The company has explored various strategies over the years and learned that a technology-neutral approach is essential for making a significant difference in rural communities.
Today, Microsoft’s partners use fiber, fixed wireless, satellite, and other technologies to expand networks into rural areas. As a result, these partners have extended coverage to over 7.4 million people in rural communities across 41 states and territories.
However, technology alone couldn’t solve the problem. Challenges like high costs, the absence of new technologies, and market and regulatory conditions hindered progress. The economic impact was substantial, limiting individual progress and hindering the development of rural areas.
Microsoft has also used its corporate influence to advocate for Congress to direct funding to combat the digital divide.
Targeted Funding to Combat the Digital Divide
Progress in the U.S. wouldn’t have been possible without the vision of the U.S. Congress to invest significantly in broadband infrastructure programs. These government investments have been essential to creating a deep impact.
Bipartisan investments in digital infrastructure and inclusion through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) were major steps forward in closing the digital divide in the United States.
As a result of these investments and public-private partnerships, Microsoft’s internet service provider partners in the U.S. have received over $725 million in government infrastructure funding to accelerate network expansion and drive broadband adoption. Approximately 80% of this funding has been directed toward rural communities.
For example, Microsoft partner Nextlink Internet is leveraging government investment to bring connectivity to rural communities in the Midwest, Southwest, and Southeast regions. Federal funding enabled Nextlink to expand its footprint from seven to 11 states: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Looking Forward Globally with a Clear Vision
Outside the U.S., Microsoft’s global partnerships have provided coverage to nearly 100 million previously unserved and underserved people. Similar models of participating in government infrastructure programs are also seeing success internationally, with the U.S. government leading the way.
This involves significant investments and leadership from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Digital Invest program and the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (Wi-DEF), as well as the United States Trade and Development Agency’s (USTDA) Digital Transformation with Africa initiative. These partnerships have also enabled digital infrastructure and off-grid energy in unserved and underserved communities around the world.
For instance, in Nigeria, providers like Tizeti are using government investments to bring connectivity to schools, health clinics, and community anchor institutions. Local communities are experiencing improved outcomes in education and healthcare.
While connectivity on its own has enabled these outcomes, consider what additional innovation AI could unlock.
Of the 2.6 billion people still offline, limited internet access can worsen economic inequalities and restrict access to social services, civic activities, and online learning resources. In areas where AI is used to map global populations, early warnings during crises allow communities to plan for disaster recovery. Communities that remain offline don’t receive these warnings and cannot act on them. As AI becomes more prevalent, communities without internet access won’t be able to fully access its benefits.
To maintain momentum, Microsoft is looking to the lessons learned in the U.S. This includes scaling innovative technologies, expanding connectivity and energy access, and leveraging strategic partnerships. Governments, financial institutions, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector must collaborate to address financing barriers, invest in development finance, and expand digital infrastructure.
Microsoft has committed to reaching 250 million people with meaningful connectivity by the end of next year. Today, continued support and collaboration from all sectors are needed to ensure no one is left behind.
All stakeholders are urged to work together in this mission.
- Governments must create regulatory environments that give priority to digital infrastructure funding and support quick and efficient allocation of funding by federal, state, and local entities.
- The private sector must invest in innovative technologies and business models.
- Philanthropic organizations must continue to advocate for digital inclusion and develop initiatives anchored in the local community.
The journey to close the digital divide is a long one, and it will take time to see the direct results of this work. However, there is reason for optimism. Microsoft is grateful for the U.S. government’s leadership and vision, which is serving as a blueprint for other countries, as well as state and local leaders working to ensure these programs are successful.
Policymakers are encouraged to proceed efficiently so the benefits of these investments reach local communities sooner. With ongoing collaboration and commitment, the power of data, technology, and partnerships can be used to achieve ambitious goals. Microsoft is committed to making a lasting impact and is excited about the future. The goal is to bring the power of digital connectivity and transformation to people worldwide.
