Tech Policy

Expanding Broadband in the Black Rural South

The Joint Center’s issue brief Expanding Broadband in the Black Rural South highlights the challenges and solutions in expanding broadband in the Black Rural South (Southern rural counties with populations that are 35 percent Black or higher).

The four-page issue brief, authored by Joint Center Technology Policy Director Dr. Dominique Harrison, reveals that 38 percent of African Americans in the Black Rural South report that they lack internet access. This is much higher than rates reported by other groups—including whites in the Black Rural South, rural residents outside of the South, and African Americans nationwide. Dr. Harrison finds that the lack of broadband in the Black Rural South is driven by both the lack of affordability and availability of broadband services.

Dr. Harrison’s four-page issue brief summarizes the research, analysis, and solutions detailed in this 36-page report.