Broadband's Too Costly, Say Those Without It

As the FCC works to provide speedy Internet service to everybody, a new survey suggests it faces two big hurdles: cost and digital literacy. Among those who don't have broadband Internet—an estimated 93 million Americans—the most common reason (36%) is that it costs too much. Coming in second (22%) is that people don't think they have the skills for it or fear going online, followed by 19% who simply don't see a need for it.

"What this means is that cutting prices alone will probably not have a major effect on broadband adoption," writes Marguerite Reardon at CNET. "But lowering prices on service, coupled with adding programs that teach people the digital skills they need to access the Net while also educating them on how the Internet can enhance their lives, could have a substantial effect." (More broadband Internet stories.)