April 7, 2021
An overwhelming majority of Americans (71%) feel that companies that make money from the internet should contribute to provide internet access for those who don’t have it, according to a recent survey from Recon Analytics. 78% of survey respondents also agreed that broadband should be available for everyone. This support for universal broadband comes at a time when an increasing number of Americans are relying on the internet for work, entertainment, and social connection.
The study highlighted that Americans also want companies whose business relies heavily on the internet to subsidize access to broadband for low-income Americans. Companies such as Facebook, Google, and Amazon would benefit if more people had access to use their platforms online. All players in the broadband ecosystem contributing to the Universal Service Fund would ensure that the Lifeline Program, which provides a monthly subsidy to help offset the cost of broadband for low-income families, is sustainable and would help to reduce the digital divide.
Source: Recon Analytics