In New Mexico, about one in five households lack an internet connection. New research shows this digital divide disproportionately affects low income, Black, Hispanic and rural populations.
“This disparity exacerbates existing barriers to pursuing an education, earning higher incomes and obtaining essential services, such as health care and financial services,” according to the Boston Consulting Group. The firm’s recent report says local experts are key to closing the digital divide, which impacts 20% of Americans.
These local experts, also known as “digital navigators,” can help reduce digital and socioeconomic inequality in places like the Land of Enchantment. That’s why Comcast, which supported the research, is investing in community-based digital navigator and broadband adoption programs across the country. Through this program, titled Project UP, Comcast has committed $1 billion to reach tens of millions of people.
What is a digital navigator?
Digital navigators are individuals affiliated with trusted community organizations who are trained to help people access the internet, use devices and build digital skills. According to the research, with the support of digital caseworkers:
- More than 65% of survey respondents said they obtained internet access or a computer or tablet at home. Among Hispanic and Black Americans, the rate increased to 72%.
- More than 85% of respondents said they used the internet more frequently.
- Almost 50% obtained better health care and 40% received support with basic needs like food, rent and housing
- One in three found a new job or earned a higher income.
The study followed the federal government’s bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which allocated $14 billion to provide monthly subsidies to eligible households for broadband service and connected devices.
According to Comcast, along with the federal government’s unprecedented investment in broadband infrastructure, the United States has a unique opportunity to reach those who remain without internet access or digital skills. Digital navigators can raise awareness and use of these low-cost internet programs and address other barriers to adoption. For instance, data from the Census Bureau and National Telecommunications and Information Administration shows nearly 60% of non-adopters point to lack of need or interest as the main reason for not subscribing to broadband.
“While the national funding for home internet subsidies has the potential to be transformative for millions of Americans, this research shows that overcoming the broadband adoption hurdle is necessary to truly maximize this federal investment,” Broderick Johnson, executive vice president, public policy and executive vice president, digital equity at Comcast, said when the study was revealed. “For over a decade, Comcast has been committed to digital equity. Through our Lift Zones and Internet Essentials programs, we have helped millions get online. In supporting digital navigator programs, we are broadening our work to close the digital divide by partnering with community-based advocates who are trusted messengers for how access to the internet has the power to change lives for more Americans.”
How technology is changing lives in New Mexico
The United Way of Central New Mexico is one of the many community-based organizations whose clients are benefiting from the digital navigator program. The organization tackles systemic problems affecting families and children in the nonprofit’s five-county community.
United Way operates the local 2-1-1 number. Whether someone needs help with basic needs, mental health, senior services or family crises, the call center is there to assist. The hotline provides connections to local services and resources for free. It also provides referrals to health and human services, government agencies and community-based organizations.
Comcast supports the 2-1-1 call center to provide people with information about the ACP and the Internet Essentials program. At 2-1-1, 70% of the calls are related to utility assistance. Many callers struggle to pay their bills and digital navigators make them aware of the help they can receive on an internet bill through ACP. For example, by signing up for Internet Essentials, New Mexico residents can receive internet service for $9.95 a month. After enrolling in ACP, they get the service for free.
Comcast also gave United Way a grant to update its resource database for public use at uwcnm.org.
“Internet Essentials provides low-income folks with discounted or even free internet through the ACP,” said Hannah Eisenberg, manager at United Way of Central New Mexico. “We see this as an amazing resource for our 2-1-1 callers. It can help them engage in essential tasks and free up income for other bills, food and clothing. By partnering with Comcast, we’re working to ensure our callers are aware of the benefits of the Internet Essentials program and know how to access it.”
Learn more about Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through Project UP.
Laura Newpoff is a freelance writer with The Business Journals Content Studio.
