Fact of the Week: 58 Percent of Households Without Internet Cite Lack of Need or Interest As the Reason Why

Source: Michelle Cao and Rafi Goldberg, “Switched Off: Why Are One in Five U.S. Households Not Online,” National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), October 5, 2022.

Commentary: A recent study conducted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration found that of the 24 million homes without an internet connection, 58 percent cited a lack of need or interest as the primary reason. This is up from 39 percent in 2010. In contrast, only 18 percent cited expense as the primary reason, down from 24 percent in 2010. These responses put a lie to the claims that the main reason for non-adoption is the cost of a subscription. While the United States should certainly strive for greater connectivity rates, these results suggest that more of the focus should be on digital literacy training and outreach rather than on costs and regulations.