The single strands of a fiber optic cable facilitate speedy transfers of data. Hundreds of thousands of miles of cable help power internet connectivity across the U.S. Yet many Americans—at least 21 million—continue to lack access to broadband. Pew is providing research and data to policymakers to help expand the availability of high-speed, reliable internet across the country.
States are playing a crucial role in efforts to expand broadband to the 21 million to 163 million Americans1 who still lack access to this critical service, encouraging broadband investment and helping to bring more of their residents online.
How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?
