9.2.1    In-home access to computers and the Internet

Ensuring in-home computer and Internet access to all is seen by many as fundamental to achieving digital equity. Gains in access have been facilitated by an estimated 75% reduction in computer prices between 1997 and 2000, based on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Purchasing Index.

How are we doing?

Between 1998 and 2001, in-home access to the Internet increased 31.9% for Boston residents and by 30.3% in the Metro region.   Gaps are narrowing, but there is still evidence of a “digital divide” between people of different income and education levels, as well as across racial lines. According to 2001 national survey data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Boston and Metro Boston show solid gains in all income categories but clear inequities in digital access across educational levels.  Also, in Metro Boston, while there were gains in access by all racial/ethnic groups, Latino households had the least amount of access (35.7%) and the slowest gains (5%) between 1998 and 2001.  Access for Asian households grew the most (28.5%), followed by black households (27.5%).

US Bureau of Labor Statistics comparison data by race and income are available for Metro Boston but not for Boston due to small sample sizes.  A 2001 Boston Foundation Report on Social Capital suggests, however, that 81% of Boston households earning over $75,000 have access to the Internet versus 29% of those earning below $30,000. The report suggests that while 83% of Boston residents with four or more years of college have Internet access at home, only 35% of households with less than high school education have access. Finally, Mass Boston 2000 Boston Annual Survey, which included a sample of four Boston neighborhoods with the largest number of children in Boston's schools, showed that in-home Internet access rates varied widely, with East Boston at 40%, while Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan had over 53% — closer to the citywide average.

Click image to enlarge chart "Percent of households with a computer by educational attainment, Boston, 1998 & 2001"