https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/annual/measure/internet/state/IN  Last accessed 12/27/2022

High-speed Internet

U.S. Value: 89.4% (2020); 92.4% (2021)

Healthiest State: Washington: 93.7% (2020); 95.2% (2021)

Least-healthy States: Mississippi, New Mexico: 81.4% (2020); 85.2% (2021)

Definition: Percentage of households with a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet

Data Source & Year(s): U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey

Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2022.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

High-speed internet (also known as broadband internet) is an important resource for work, education and efficient communication. Access to the internet is a human right according to the United Nations, which cites its importance for social and economic development. Researchers have also recently identified access to high-speed internet, also known as broadband internet, as a social determinant of health. It has been especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many employers and educators have transitioned to remote work and learning. Moreover, having high-speed internet is vital for receiving health care via telehealth. 

Despite its necessity, there are barriers to high-speed internet access, including cost and deficient infrastructure. Lack of access to high-speed internet can restrict access to basic government services, educational and economic opportunities, accessible health care through telemedicine and avenues for social connectedness.

WHO IS AFFECTED?

Rural communities and racial and ethnic minority populations are particularly affected by restriction of education and telehealth services caused by lack of high-speed internet access. 

The percentage of households with high high-speed internet is higher among:

• Asian, multiracial and white households compared with American Indian/Alaska Native and Black households.
• Those with a college degree than those with less than a high school education.
• Those with an annual income of $75,000 or more than those with an income less than $20,000.
• Those who live in urban areas compared with those who live in rural areas.

GOALS

Healthy People 2030 has a goal to increase the proportion of adults with broadband internet access.

REFERENCES 

Data Source & Year(s): U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2019

Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, Last accessed Dec 2022.

WHAT WORKS?

One of the barriers to accessing high-speed internet at home is cost. State policies and strategies that improve broadband internet access include:

• Providing financing and incentives for organizations and companies working to improve access to high-speed internet services.
• Improving access to publicly-owned infrastructure that supports implementation of high-speed internet services.

Source: https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/annual/measure/internet/state/IN  Last accessed 06/14/2022 Last accessed 6/29/2022 

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices.

If your household is eligible, you can receive:

• Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
• Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50) 

Source: https://www.in.gov/indianabroadband/ Last Accessed 8 july 2022

Article from: https://fox59.com/indianapolitics/new-indiana-program-works-to-connect-more-hoosiers-to-broadband/ (last accessed 8 July 2022)

Under the Indiana Connectivity Program, state officials want to find more homes and businesses without high-speed internet access and connect them to broadband providers. The program will allow Hoosiers to directly inform the state that their home or business lacks high-speed internet access. If they qualify, the state will connect that resident or business with a broadband provider and help fund the necessary work.

Hoosiers can submit their information for the program on the Next Level Communications portal. Hoosiers can also call the Indiana Broadband Connect Center starting  at 833-639-8522 

Visit https://www.in.gov/ocra/broadband/ for more information.

https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/annual/measure/internet/state/IN  Last accessed 27 Dec 2022