High cost can be a barrier to internet connectivity
All Massachusetts residents deserve reliable high-speed internet access regardless of income, identity, or zip code
People who can't afford home internet might only be able to pay for a smartphone plan, making it hard for them to pay for both. Some might have to give up basic things they need, like groceries, to pay for internet service, while others don’t want to lose necessities just to get online. Factors like being older, having a lower income, or not having a high level of education are linked to a lower chance of having internet at home. Research shows that 62% of people without home internet would need a lot of financial help to be able to afford a fast internet plan.
Over 50% of Massachusetts residents found it difficult to pay their internet bill
Massachusetts State Digital Equity Plan for Public Comment, Massachusetts Broadband Institute, 2023
61% of unconnected households in Massachusetts say high costs are the main reason they cannot get online
Source: Massachusetts State Digital Equity Plan for Public Comment, Massachusetts Broadband Institute, 2023
The cheapest plans available* are usually well above what most research shows most low-income households can pay,* which is between nothing and $25
*Massachusetts State Digital Equity Plan for Public Comment, Massachusetts Broadband Institute, 2023
**Horrigan, John. AFFORDABILITY AND THE DIGITAL DIVIDE, 2021.