A Summary of Broadband Availability and Adoption in California as of June 30, 2011
Examination of FCC Form 477 broadband subscription data as of June 30, 2011 yields engaging information about the spatial and demographic patterns of Broadband Internet adoption rates in California. Statewide, an estimated 72.9% of all households subscribe to fixed broadband services. Out of households which have been determined to have geographic access to fixed broadband services, an estimated 74.6% subscribe.
Geographic disparities in broadband adoption become apparent when adoption rates are mapped at the census tract level in California’s major metropolitan areas. Numerous urban communities including South Los Angeles, East Oakland, South Sacramento, and National City, show very low adoption rates compared to suburban and exurban locations within the same region. Adoption rates are found to be significantly correlated with household income, educational attainment, and language speaking ability, and less notably correlated with median age and population density. Continued research into the determinants of adoption rates as well as targeted outreach to low-adoption communities will be required to help bridge the “Digital Divide” in California.
