Philadelphia Households Internet Assessment Survey demonstrates older Philadelphians’ broadband subscription vulnerability
The Philadelphia Household Internet Assessment Survey provides a report of the state of the city’s digital divide. Currently, 84% of Philadelphia households have access to high-speed internet through a broadband subscription, an 18% increase from 2019. However, 32% of Philadelphia households are considered internet “subscription vulnerable.”
The barriers to broadband access in Philadelphia include the cost of internet services, lack of digital literacy and skills, and lack of access to an adequate device. To close the city’s digital divide, the report recommends increasing public awareness of available discount internet programs, adopting a targeted approach to meet the adoption needs of Philadelphians, and supporting a city-wide approach to digital equity.
The report includes data on older Philadelphians’ (65-plus) broadband access:
- Broadband adoption rate is 67%.
- Without discount internet programs, broadband adoption rates would be 62%.
- 14% use at-home broadband internet.
- 42% have never had internet service, 25% had internet service in the past and 47% are currently without broadband at home.
- Those over 65 in Philadelphia (about 18% of the population) are much less likely to have a computer or a wired broadband connection at home.
- Just 27% have heard of the free or discount programs. Only 5% have signed up for discount programs, such as Comcast Internet Essentials or PHLConnectED.
- 59% own a desktop, laptop, or tablet computer; 40% have a working tablet computer; and 48% have a working desktop, laptop, or tablet computer.
Read more from the City of Philadelphia by clicking here.
