Why Digital Equity Matters

Dispelling common myths about technology access — and why CTIAS works to close the digital divide in Quincy and surrounding communities.

What is digital equity?

Digital equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.

As defined by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.

Digital equity: dispelling myths

Research shows that gaps in access, devices, and skills remain widespread. Here are common assumptions — and the facts behind them.

Myth #1

Everyone has internet access.

False.

13% of households in the City of Boston (12% across Massachusetts) lack a home broadband subscription.
Among adults with household incomes below $30,000 a year, 44% don't have home broadband services.
Among low-income families who have home internet, 52% say their access is too slow and 20% say their internet has been cut off in the last year due to lack of payment.
16.9 million children across the U.S. lack access to high-speed home internet.
During the pandemic, nearly 1 in 5 families with incomes of $50,000 or less lost internet connectivity due to cost, and 49% are on the precipice of disconnection.

Myth #2

Everyone has a computer.

False.

19% of households in the City of Boston (18% across Massachusetts) lack a desktop or laptop computer at home.
Among adults with household incomes below $30,000 a year, 46% don't have a computer.
26% of adults with household incomes under $30,000 are "smartphone-dependent" internet users — they do not have an internet-connected computer at home and rely entirely on a smartphone for internet access.
7.3 million children across the U.S. lack access to a home computer.
26% of low-income families who do have a computer at home say too many people share the same computer.

Myth #3

Everyone knows how to use computers and the internet.

False.

One third of all American workers lack basic digital literacy skills for navigating technology and the internet.
In Massachusetts, nearly 80% of jobs require at least fundamental digital skills.
Middle-skill jobs requiring digital skills are growing 2.5 times faster than those that don't.
41% of U.S. adults without a high school diploma and 17% with a high school diploma but without a college degree are not digitally literate.
Workers of color are overrepresented among workers without digital skills due to deep structural racism that creates gaps in income, wealth, and educational opportunity.

Our approach: Training, Tools, and Access

CTIAS works with schools, libraries, housing organizations, and community partners to help residents use the internet as a tool for education, employment, healthcare, and everyday life. We provide technology instruction, devices, affordable connectivity support, and hands-on guidance so everyone can take full advantage of the opportunities the internet offers.

Training
Free classes and workshops that build digital literacy and job-ready skills.
Tools
Chromebooks, devices, and support to get residents connected at home.
Access
Help navigating affordable internet programs and community connectivity resources.

Explore programs Find internet near you Contact CTIAS →

Why Digital Equity Matters

Dispelling common myths about technology access — and why CTIAS works to close the digital divide in Quincy and surrounding communities.

What is digital equity?

As defined by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.

Digital equity: dispelling myths

Research shows that gaps in access, devices, and skills remain widespread. Here are common assumptions — and the facts behind them.

Myth #1

Everyone has internet access.

False.

13% of households in the City of Boston (12% across Massachusetts) lack a home broadband subscription.
Among adults with household incomes below $30,000 a year, 44% don't have home broadband services.
Among low-income families who have home internet, 52% say their access is too slow and 20% say their internet has been cut off in the last year due to lack of payment.
16.9 million children across the U.S. lack access to high-speed home internet.
During the pandemic, nearly 1 in 5 families with incomes of $50,000 or less lost internet connectivity due to cost, and 49% are on the precipice of disconnection.

Myth #2

Everyone has a computer.

False.

19% of households in the City of Boston (18% across Massachusetts) lack a desktop or laptop computer at home.
Among adults with household incomes below $30,000 a year, 46% don't have a computer.
26% of adults with household incomes under $30,000 are "smartphone-dependent" internet users — they do not have an internet-connected computer at home and rely entirely on a smartphone for internet access.
7.3 million children across the U.S. lack access to a home computer.
26% of low-income families who do have a computer at home say too many people share the same computer.

Myth #3

Everyone knows how to use computers and the internet.

False.

One third of all American workers lack basic digital literacy skills for navigating technology and the internet.
In Massachusetts, nearly 80% of jobs require at least fundamental digital skills.
Middle-skill jobs requiring digital skills are growing 2.5 times faster than those that don't.
41% of U.S. adults without a high school diploma and 17% with a high school diploma but without a college degree are not digitally literate.
Workers of color are overrepresented among workers without digital skills due to deep structural racism that creates gaps in income, wealth, and educational opportunity.

Our approach: Training, Tools, and Access

Training
Free classes and workshops that build digital literacy and job-ready skills.
Tools
Chromebooks, devices, and support to get residents connected at home.
Access
Help navigating affordable internet programs and community connectivity resources.

Explore programs Find internet near you Contact CTIAS →