Let’s close the digital divide once and for all for Black communities

Since digital technologies first emerged about 30 years ago, Black Americans have trailed in terms of access. This “digital divide” is real, it’s important and we can do better. According to our analysis of data from the American Community Survey, 40 percent of Black Americans do not have high-speed, fixed broadband at home, compared to 28 percent of whites. In rural areas of the south with significant Black populations, white households are more than half as likely to have broadband, and in some cities, such as Baltimore and Chicago, the disparity is even greater. There is reason for optimism: There has already been progress and the resources are available. The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $65 billion to improve broadband access and digital equity. But while money is necessary, it is not enough: It needs to be spent with purpose and precision. Five principles can help: 

• Know where the gaps are. Solving a problem starts with defining it. Governments, therefore, need to count all unserved broadband-serviceable locations.
• Make an explicit commitment. What gets measured gets managed: If narrowing the digital divide is a stated goal, it is more likely to be met.
• Listen to a wide range of stakeholders. Talking to residents, local government officials, non-profit leaders, utilities and internet service providers (ISPs) can provide a deeper, more nuanced understanding of barriers to access, and thus provide helpful guidelines on how to overcome them.  
• Improve access to subsidies. Just because money is available does not mean it will get to those who qualify for it. Coordinating with other government programs, such as income, food and medical assistance, to improve outreach for the Affordable Connectivity Program. 
• Work with partners. Closing the digital divide is not one thing: It comprises information, access and skills. So it makes sense to bring in a diverse network of partners, with a wide range of expertise.

[Danielle Hinton is an associate partner in McKinsey & Company’s Washington (DC) office. John B. Horrigan is a senior adviser to McKinsey, also based in Washington.]