A recent report from the Center for an Urban Future highlights a troubling digital divide in the Bronx, emphasizing the critical disparities in broadband internet connections, access to devices, and digital literacy among the borough’s residents.
The study, funded by The Bronx Community Foundation, reveals that while much of the infrastructure in the area is wired for high-speed internet, approximately 22% of households lack broadband access, which is the highest rate of any borough in New York City.
This issue is particularly severe in neighborhoods such as Fordham, Bedford Park, and Norwood, where more than 30% of households do not have broadband.
In today’s increasingly digital world, the absence of a reliable internet connection hampers access to essential online services, including remote learning and telehealth appointments.
In addition to the broadband access issue, the report indicates that 31% of Bronx households do not own a laptop, again the highest proportion among the boroughs.
In areas like Melrose, Mott Haven, and Hunts Point, this figure exceeds 40%, creating significant barriers for residents attempting to pursue educational and career opportunities.
Desmon Lewis, co-founder and board member of The Bronx Community Foundation, stressed the importance of reliable broadband, devices, and digital literacy for today’s residents.
“We must go much further to build sustainable, borough-wide infrastructure that ensures every resident can thrive in today’s digital economy,” Lewis stated.
Elva Laboy, a 70-year-old resident of Hunts Point, shared her struggles with internet access. After cancelling her Optimum broadband service four years ago due to its prohibitive cost, she has not been able to secure an alternative provider.
“I was paying around $100 for Optimum,” Laboy explained in Spanish during an interview.
The affordability of internet services remains a significant barrier for Bronx residents, especially considering the borough’s poverty rate of 28%, which is 10 percentage points higher than the citywide average.
According to the findings, 31% of households earning less than $35,000 annually do not have broadband access, perpetuating the cycle of digital inequity.
A 2024 report from the New York State Public Service Commission confirmed that Bronx residents pay an average of $79.83 per month for broadband, which is $10 more than Brooklyn residents, the next highest borough.
The situation may worsen following the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) last year, which provided federal assistance for internet access during the pandemic.
Under this program, eligible households in The Bronx could receive up to $30 off their monthly internet service and $100 toward the purchase of a computer. Before the program lapsed, 44% of Bronx households benefitted from its support.
Eli Dvorkin, Editorial and Policy Director at CUF, pointed out the severe implications of the digital divide on residents’ lives.
“It’s an obstacle to going to school, to finding a job, to seeing a doctor, to apply for city services,” said Dvorkin.
He highlighted the increase in broadband deficiency, which rose from 18% to 22% since the pandemic, indicating the detrimental impact of the ACP’s expiration on broadband accessibility in the Bronx.
Nevertheless, the report does suggest several initiatives to address these digital inequities, including a proposed Bronx Digital Equity Plan.
This plan would feature a public awareness campaign aimed at enrolling residents in affordable $15-per-month broadband plans and creating a Bronx Laptop Lending Library to assist the 184,000 households without computers.
Moreover, it would call for full funding for CUNY’s Computing Integrated Teacher Education (CITE) initiative to enhance digital literacy education for future teachers.
Expanded partnerships with libraries and community organizations would also provide essential tech training and support to residents in need.
The $15-per-month plan stems from the Affordable Broadband Act, which took effect in January, mandating internet providers to offer low-cost options to qualifying New Yorkers.
Eligibility for this plan includes residents enrolled in various assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program and Medicaid.
Passed in 2021, the law faced several legal disputes before it was finally implemented. Some providers, such as AT&T, have expressed concerns that the rate regulations could deter investment in broadband infrastructure in the state.
Despite the challenges, there is a significant demand for internet access in the Bronx, as evidenced by the borough’s high usage of LinkNYC Wi-Fi.
Data showed the Bronx had the second-highest volume of traffic among all boroughs, with over 180,000 GB of data uploaded and downloaded, alongside more than 430,000 Wi-Fi sessions in libraries.
Charles Jackson, a 59-year-old resident of Hunts Point, exemplifies the struggles many face. He resorted to using a computer at his local library after canceling his internet service a few years ago due to skyrocketing costs.
For months, he paid over $300 for broadband. His focus shifted when he finally re-subscribed to Verizon, now paying $120 monthly.
“I wanted a laptop. I wanted to get me a modem,” Jackson shared, emphasizing his desire to connect to the digital world.
One community organization making strides to bridge this digital divide is The Knowledge House, based in Mott Haven.
The organization trains around 150 to 200 Bronx residents every year in fields like data science, cybersecurity, and digital literacy.
Jerelyn Rodriguez, the founder, noted the importance of owning a decent device to fully engage with online learning. Many applicants for their program do not possess adequate technology.
In fact, one-third of 1,000 applicants in their recent cohort lacked a laptop or computer, prompting the organization to lend devices to selected candidates.
Rodriguez highlighted that the digital divide is a key reason The Knowledge House chose to establish its headquarters in the South Bronx to better serve the community.
To ensure that Bronx residents can thrive in the digital age, there must be significant investments in infrastructure, education, and community resources.
Without these efforts, many residents will continue to be left behind in an increasingly digital society.
image source from：thecity
