Rhonda Crichlow
Senior Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer
Charter Communications

The internet is at the core of every aspect of modern society, yet there are a disproportionate number of communities of color who find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide.

The internet is the bridge to academic achievement, applying for and excelling in many types of jobs, managing finances and participating fully in the civic life of our nation. For the millions of Americans—especially those living in marginalized communities—who work to provide a brighter future for themselves and their families, lack of access to high-speed internet shouldn’t put success out of reach. But the truth is it does—and we have to change that. 

Twenty-five percent of Americans don’t have broadband access at home. The percentage increases for some, depending on their age, ethnicity and income. Compared to white households, Black and Hispanic households have lower rates of both wired and wireless broadband adoption, according to 2017 U.S. Census Bureau data.

Lack of internet access hits young people the hardest.  A Pew Research Center analysis found that approximately five million households with school-age children in the U.S. do not have high-speed internet service at home, with a disproportionate amount consisting of Black and Hispanic low-income households. This makes it hard for students to complete homework assignments or projects, and as more schools integrate internet-based learning into their curriculum, the gap increases.

Bridging the digital divide requires cross-sector investment and partnership.  Companies like ours, which cover some of the largest urban markets across the country, have a unique role in pushing innovation and finding solutions to these challenges.

With this in mind, Charter has invested $25 billion in infrastructure and technology, providing faster and better broadband to more communities since 2014.  Over the next few years, we’ll continue to extend the reach of our network in both rural and urban areas.

We also recognize that we don’t just need to ensure broadband availability — we need to do our part to foster broadband adoption.

That’s why we created the Spectrum Internet Assist Program, which offers faster, low-cost internet to eligible low-income families and seniors.  Our goal is to empower them to access information about their communities, take classes, do homework and apply for jobs.

We also understand the need to make broadband relevant to people of all backgrounds and income groups and provide the skills they need to succeed in today’s digital economy.  It’s why we launched the Spectrum Digital Education Grant Program, which will provide $1 million in digital education grants to support non-profit organizations that educate and train community members on critical internet skills that can be used to improve their lives.

We are proud of our partnership with the National Urban League, which has fought for decades to advance racial and economic justice. Building on its work, as well as collaborating with other telecommunications and technology companies, grassroots organizations and government entities, will be key to meeting needs and closing the digital divide.

Only together will we power the digital revolution that will strengthen our national economy and keep us competitive with the world.