A recent report from the Center for an Urban Future highlights significant digital disparities affecting residents in the Bronx, New York City’s northernmost borough.
The study reveals alarming statistics about broadband internet access, availability of internet-connected devices, and the overall digital literacy that is essential for educational and career opportunities. With funding from The Bronx Community Foundation, this report emphasizes the urgent need for improved digital infrastructure in the borough.
Even though nearly all of the Bronx is wired for high-speed internet, 22% of households still lack broadband services, making it the highest percentage among all NYC boroughs.
This challenge is particularly pronounced in neighborhoods like Fordham, Bedford Park, and Norwood, where over 30% of households do not have broadband access.
Without reliable high-speed internet, many essential online resources, from streaming services to remote working tools, remain out of reach for these families.
The report further indicates that 31% of Bronx households lack access to a laptop or desktop computer, again the highest rate across the city. In areas like Melrose, Mott Haven, and Hunts Point, this figure rises above 40%.
Desmon Lewis, co-founder and board member of The Bronx Community Foundation, stated, “At The Bronx Community Foundation, we know that reliable broadband, access to computers and tablets, digital literacy, and digital workforce training are essential for success in today’s New York City.”
He emphasized that more efforts are needed to build sustainable infrastructure that allows every Bronx resident to thrive in the digital economy.
Affordable internet access is a significant barrier for many Bronxites, particularly given that the borough faces a 28% poverty rate, which is 10 percentage points higher than the citywide average.
According to the report, households with incomes below $35,000 are particularly disadvantaged, with 31% lacking broadband services.
Furthermore, the average monthly broadband bill for Bronx residents stands at $79.83, which is $10 higher than the next borough, Brooklyn.
These figures may worsen due to the expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), designed to subsidize internet service for eligible residents during the pandemic.
Notably, 44% of Bronx households benefited from the ACP, which provided a $30 monthly discount on broadband services and up to $100 for device purchases.
Eli Dvorkin, Editorial and Policy Director at CUF, expressed concern about these digital equity gaps. He stated, “We recognize that it is nearly impossible to participate fully in our increasingly digital society without making major new strides to close these digital equity gaps.”
Dvorkin noted that since the pandemic, the percentage of Bronx households without broadband has increased from 18% to 22%, indicating the adverse effects of ending the ACP.
The report also suggests several initiatives to bridge the digital divide in the Bronx through a proposed Bronx Digital Equity Plan.
One of the key recommendations includes a public awareness campaign to inform residents about affordable $15-per-month broadband plans.
Additionally, the formation of a Bronx Laptop Lending Library aimed at distributing devices to the 184,000 households without computers is crucial.
The report calls for funding the City University of New York (CUNY) for its Computing Integrated Teacher Education (CITE) initiative, which focuses on enhancing digital literacy among future educators.
Moreover, expanding partnerships with libraries and community organizations for tech training can provide vital support to local residents.
The $15-per-month broadband plan emerged from the Affordable Broadband Act, which took effect this January. It mandates that internet providers must offer low-cost plans to eligible New Yorkers.
This includes residents enrolled in programs like the National School Lunch Program, SNAP, and Medicaid, ensuring that they can access affordable internet services.
After years of legal challenges, this legislation finally came into effect in January 2023. However, AT&T has since withdrawn its Internet Air service in New York, which previously provided affordable broadband options.
While the law aims to increase affordability and access, many providers have reported concerns over the economic viability of these mandated low-cost plans.
Consequently, the challenge of spreading awareness about these $15-a-month plans remains, as most Bronx residents rely on major internet service providers.
Dvorkin pointed out that competition among internet providers is limited in many Bronx neighborhoods, suggesting that increasing incentives for competition could improve the situation.
For Bronx residents, the desire for internet access is evident, as the borough has recorded the second-highest volume of LinkNYC Wi-Fi traffic, uploading and downloading over 180,000 GB.
Additionally, Bronx libraries have reported over 430,000 Wi-Fi sessions, indicating a high demand for digital connectivity.
Charles Jackson, a 59-year-old resident of Hunts Point, understands this need. After canceling his internet service due to overwhelming costs, he relied on his local library’s computers for three years.
“I was tight ’cause I’m one of them techy-type persons,” he said, reflecting on his period without broadband.
Jackson eventually connected to broadband service again in 2024 but notes the financial burden continues to be an issue, paying $120 per month.
Organizations like The Knowledge House play a pivotal role in addressing the digital divide. Located in Mott Haven, this group trains about 150 to 200 Bronx residents each year in various technological fields such as data science, cybersecurity, and digital literacy.
Jerelyn Rodriguez, the organization’s founder, pointed out that many applicants lack adequate devices for online training.
Despite the possibilities presented by mobile devices, she stressed the necessity of laptops and desktops for accessing essential resources.
The Knowledge House offers laptop loans to eligible participants in their programs, aiming to bridge the gap for those without devices.
Rodriguez noted, “The digital divide in the borough is one of the reasons why we wanted to be headquartered in the South Bronx.”
As the Bronx grapples with these challenges, stakeholders are hopeful that the proposed initiatives in the Bronx Digital Equity Plan will create pathways toward greater digital inclusion and assist residents in participating in the modern economy.
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