FAQ

Do all homes in Massachusetts have internet access?

Overall Internet Access: According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) data, about 92% of households in Massachusetts have internet access. However, this leaves approximately 8% of households without internet access, equating to around 220,000 households.

What’s the urban vs rural digital divide?

Rural areas in Massachusetts tend to have lower internet access rates compared to urban areas. For example, some rural counties have internet access rates below 85%.

How many households in Massachusetts own their own computing device?

The ACS data indicates that approximately 88% of Massachusetts households have a computer, leaving around 12% without access to a personal computer.

Why does everyone need a smartphone these days?

Many low-income households rely solely on smartphones for internet access, which can limit their ability to perform tasks that require a computer, such as job applications and online learning.

What is the digital skills gap in Massachusetts?

A study by the National Skills Coalition found that 13% of Massachusetts adults lack basic digital literacy skills, impacting their ability to participate fully in the digital world.

What’s the correlation between education attainment and digital literacy?

Individuals with lower levels of educational attainment are more likely to lack digital literacy skills. In Massachusetts, about 10% of adults aged 25 and older have less than a high school diploma.