Access to broadband or high-speed Internet service (cable, fiber optic, DSL, cellular, or satellite) enhances people’s ability to pursue learning, telework, access telehealth services, connect with their communities, start and grow businesses, and more. During the 2017-2021 period, 82.8% of Appalachian households had a broadband Internet subscription, compared to 87% of households nationwide.
Additionally, there are signs of a rural-urban “digital divide” within the Region. In 42 Appalachian counties, exactly half of which are considered rural, less than 70% of households had a broadband subscription. In contrast, almost all of the 27 counties with subscription rates at or above the national average were in metro areas. The increased role of internet access during, and in the aftermath of, COVID-19, puts Appalachia’s rural communities at even greater risk.
Learn more about Appalachia’s broadband and device access trends below.
Broadband Subscriptions
Broadband Subscriptions
Broadband or high-speed Internet access helps people pursue learning, telework, and more. During 2017-2021, 82.8% of Appalachian households had a broadband Internet subscription, compared to 87% nationwide. In 42 Appalachian counties, less than 70% of households had a broadband subscription.
Device Access in Appalachia
Households with No Device Access
Even before COVID-19, computer devices were used for school, banking, healthcare, and more. The pandemic magnified their importance. In 2017-2021, 89.5% of Appalachian households had one or more devices—almost four points below the national average. Only 25 Appalachian counties were at or above the national average; all were in metropolitan areas.
Households with No Device Access
The share of Appalachian households with a computer device was below 80% in 36 of Appalachia’s 423 counties. All but three of those counties were outside metropolitan areas, most were in rural areas, and half were in Central Appalachia. This suggests a “digital divide”—particularly between urban and rural areas in Appalachia—that will likely be more apparent in coming years.
