FCC sees support for its views in Pew study, which finds negative signs for broadband

The report said adoption slowed across all demographic
groups this year except African-Americans. And African-American usage still lags
considerably behind whites. The portion of African-Americans who use
broadband grew from 46 percent to 56 percent since last year. That compares to 67 percent of whites.

The report also found that by a 53-to-41 percent margin, Americans do not believe spreading broadband should be a
major government priority. Those who do not have broadband were more likely to
vote that way, possibly abetting arguments that education about the benefits of
broadband is key to upping adoption.

Howard said the FCC considers education about broadband a major priority. The agency is “more committed than ever to
educating Americans about the ways that broadband can improve their lives,
whether that’s helping them build their businesses, access education tools,
enhance their health care, or communicate with their government and each other,”
she said.

Updated at 2:14 p.m. to eliminate a misreading of the FCC quote.