What is Broadband Adoption? ​

Broadband adoption refers to the process by which individuals, households, businesses, and communities gain access to and actively use high-speed internet services. It involves not only the availability of broadband infrastructure but also factors such as affordability, digital literacy, device access, and the perceived relevance of the internet. Successful broadband adoption ensures that people can effectively utilize online resources for education, employment, healthcare, communication, and civic participation.

Broadband Adoption Statistics

• Overall Internet Access: 95% of Californians have internet at home (including satellite), up from 92% in 2019.
• Broadband Access: 85% have broadband/high-speed internet, a modest 1% increase since 2019.
• Racial & Economic Gains:
  • 94% of Black households had internet in 2022 (up from 88% in 2019).
  • Latino, low-income, rural, and non-college graduate households also saw similar increases.
• Persistent Gaps:
  • 6% of Black, Latino, low-income, and non-college-degree households still lack any internet access.
  • Only ~80% of low-income and rural households have access to computing devices.
  • As of 2023, approximately 90% of Californians aged 60 and older have high-speed internet access at home, a significant increase from 78% in 2021.
    
• Unconnected Population: 3.5 million Californians remain without internet.
• Cost Barrier:
  • Average broadband cost: $83.60/month.
  • Low-income households pay $69.40/month on average, often for lower-speed plans or discounted services.

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Our Work

WiConduit is committed to supporting community-led efforts to address broadband adoption challenges based on local priorities. We currently offer digital literacy training, which includes take-home devices for participants. As we continue developing our broadband adoption services, we want to learn from your community to better understand how we can support your needs.
If you’re interested in launching a broadband adoption project in your community, please email [email protected].