PewInternet.org

BroadbandFrom Federal Perspectives

to Local Impact

Missouri Broadband Summit October 27, 2010Jefferson CityLee Rainie: Director, Pew Internet Project

2

Internet and Broadband Revolution

70% 66%

Year-to-year % change in broadband adoption

10/5/2010 5Trends in Home Broadband Adoption Source: Pew Internet Project, May 2010 tracking survey

Demographic factors correlated w/ broadband adoption

Positive correlation(in order of importance)

Negative correlation(in order of importance)

Household income of $75,000 or more per year

Having high school degree or less

College degree Senior citizen (age 65+)

Parent with minor child at home

Rural resident

Married or living with partner

Disabled

Employed full time African-American

Source: Pew Internet Project, April 2009 tracking survey10/5/2010 7Trends in Home Broadband Adoption

9

Wireless Revolution

Cell phone owners – 85% adults

96% 90% 85%

58%

Mobile internet connectors – 57% adults

62% 59% 55%

New cell and wireless realities• More than 2/3 of adults and 3/4 of teens use the cloud• Web vs. apps struggle: 35% have apps; 24% use apps• Features used by cell owners– 76% take pictures– 74% are texters (text overtakes talk in frequency in 2009)– 39% browse internet– 34% are email users– 34% record videos– 34% play games– 33% play music– 30% are IM-ers– 7% participate in video calls

Digital divides shrink

• 34% of Americans have used the internet on handheld– Among all non-adopters, 14% have accessed

internet on cell– Among African American non-adopters, 20% have

done this– Among Hispanic non-adopters, 25% have done

this

14

Social Networking Revolution

How do you convince non-users to adopt broadband?

By the numbers: Who’s not online?

21% …of American adults are not online

34% …have some past or current contact w/ internet

10% …want to use the internet in the future

61% …would need assistance getting online

Source: Pew Internet Project, May 2010 tracking survey

10/5/2010 17Trends in Home Broadband Adoption

Relevance & digital literacy are primary factors for not going online

Source: Pew Internet Project, May 2010 tracking survey

10/5/2010 19Trends in Home Broadband Adoption

The “value” proposition: Jobs + continuing education

10/5/2010 20

Jobs Health

Learning Govt. News My

community

Source: Pew Internet Project, May 2010 tracking survey

Social media as a “hook” for seniors

• Older adults are among the most resistant, but once converted they often come to see broadband as an everyday utility

• Renewed connections can provide a support network for people nearing retirement or beginning a new career

• Those with a chronic disease are especially likely to reach out for support online

• Social media bridges generational gaps and provides a shared space for interactions

10/5/2010 25Trends in Home Broadband Adoption

National purposes paradox:Great apps, not much outcomes evidence• Health care• Education• Energy and the environment• Economic opportunity• Government services• Civic engagement• Public safety

Thank you!