There is no doubt about the economic value of the internet, but it also creates new ways to educate, employ, bring services to, and entertain every person. All the more important, that people get equal access; overcoming the digital divide. A new report by Brookings on ‘Signs of digital distress’ indicates that the distribution and access to broadband reveals disparities on a neighborhood-scale. Mapping broadband availability and subscription, can indicate which neighborhoods are most likely to be left behind in a digital era. Chicago’s Smart Communities program proves that, more residents will access job and health care services when they receive a neighborhood-wide intervention to promote broadband use. Therefore, promoting and enabling access to broadband could successfully push economic outcomes, moreover indicate which neighborhoods need special attention of policymakers for inclusive economic development planning.
Brookings
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