Media Contact:
Joseph Calascione, (202) 418-2085
joseph.calascione@fcc.gov
 
For Immediate Release

Carr Pleased That FCC Policies Have Accelerated Internet Builds

Latest Data Show Digital Divide Closing at Record Pace for Millions of Americans

WASHINGTON, November 12, 2020—Today, the FCC’s Office of Economics and Analytics released recent data showing that the digital divide—the percentage of Americans without access to high-speed Internet services—continues to close.  The results are particularly good for Americans living in rural areas, which have seen the greatest gains in connectivity and speed.  

Upon release of the deployment figures, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said, “Since 2017, I have had the honor of leading the FCC’s efforts to modernize our wireless infrastructure rules.  Through a series of reforms, we worked to drive down the cost of building out Internet infrastructure and accelerate the pace of construction projects so that all Americans have a fair shot at next-generation connectivity.  Today’s report confirms that our work enabled the private sector to deliver record-breaking results.  Indeed, since the end of 2016, the digital divide has narrowed 46%.  For higher speed Internet services, it narrowed by an even larger 77% nationwide, and 268% in rural areas.  The FCC should continue to prioritize a connectivity agenda and pursue reforms that will incentivize buildout of Internet infrastructure.” 

 

###

Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr: (202) 418-2200
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr