The digital divide is more than a technical problem—it’s an equity issue that affects families’ ability to learn, work and connect in today’s world.
In Houston, thousands of families are still offline, and the gap disproportionately impacts Black and Hispanic communities.
Houston has been introduced to several local and national initiatives addressing this issue. But how does the city’s fight against digital inequity compare to other cities? Where does Houston measure up the cities with improved access?
According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, nearly 2.8 million Texas households lack broadband access. This is due to a number of factors, including:
- Income: 44% of adults in households earning $30,000 or less don’t have broadband.
- Race: 80% of Black Texans and 78% of Hispanic Texans have broadband access, compared to almost 90% of non-Hispanic whites.
Around 17% of Houston households lack broadband internet, slightly higher than the national average of 14%. Many of these families face systemic barriers such as income inequality and lack of digital literacy.
“The only thing I’m using is my work computer. [For] internet access, I stay with my brother.”
Dalia Narciso is a mother, student and educator. She plans on going back to school in January, but she doesn’t have access to a computer outside of the ones she uses at work. Narciso stays with her brother, who has internet access. Narciso remembered how difficult it was to assist her son with homework at home during the pandemic.
“My son was in headstart. Everything was online,” Narciso said. “Honestly, It was hard to keep [him] focused at that age because he was only 3 years old.”
What Other Cities Are Doing
As cities across the nation continue to grapple with the digital divide, a select few are emerging as leaders in the effort to ensure equitable access to technology. Boston, Massachusetts, Mesa, Ariz., and Oakland, Calif., are leading the way in digital equity and here are some of their strategies:
- Expanding the Scope: Beyond internet access and devices, focusing on digital skills, literacy and equitable access to technology services.
- Fostering Competition: Encouraging competition among broadband providers to drive down costs and improve service quality.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with government agencies, businesses and community organizations to fund and implement digital equity initiatives.
- Digital Literacy and Skills Training: Providing training programs to help residents develop the skills needed to navigate the digital world.
- Affordable Connectivity Programs: Promoting federal programs subsidizing high-speed internet for low-income households.
With nearly 89% broadband adoption, Austin has created public Wi-Fi hotspots in underserved neighborhoods. San Antonio’s Digital Inclusion Alliance has distributed thousands of devices and offers free digital literacy programs.
Houston has made strides in addressing the digital divide, with significant resources to connect underserved communities. With $200 million from the CARES Act, the Texas Education Agency provided devices and hotspots for K–12 students statewide, relieving many Houston families. However, vulnerable groups such as seniors and residents with disabilities remain underserved.
It’s a solvable problem. We can get 14.1 million people computers and free internet access at home. We need to continue with educational programming beyond basic skills. Things like workforce development.
MeganSteckly, CEO of Compudopt
To combat this, Houston focused on low-income seniors, youth aged 16-24 who are not in school or employed, and parents with young children. Nonprofit Compudopt distributed thousands of refurbished computers to these groups. Recently, Compudopt launched a three-year partnership with Mission Telecom to connect 30K households nationwide to device access and connectivity.
Public libraries also added 2,300 Wi-Fi hotspots and 200 laptops available for checkout, while Comcast “Lift Zones” at 30 community centers expanded public Wi-Fi access. A voucher program launched by former Mayor Sylvester Turner’s administration and city agencies also provided 5,000 residents with a year of free Comcast broadband service.
“When we compare [Houston] nationally to Chicago, Los Angeles, or even more regional communities like Dayton, OH, or Midland Odessa, parts of West Texas, we can see that Houston is actually doing a reasonably good job in taking a stand to address the digital divide overall,” said MeganSteckly, CEO of Compudopt. “It’s a solvable problem. We can get 14.1 million people computers and free internet access at home. We need to continue with educational programming beyond basic skills. Things like workforce development.”
Organizations like Compudopt and Mission Telecom are stepping in where systemic solutions fall short. Recently, they provided 100 Houston families with free computers and internet access, part of a larger initiative to connect 30,000 households nationwide over the next three years.
“The Federal support that existed to be able to get to the pricing that allowed people to access the internet then, we can access today,” said Rhea Yaw Ching, Executive Director of Mission Telecom. “There is no paperwork needed… no negotiation of pricing. We’re already more than 60 percent below what anyone else can provide.”
Deiondra Shorts is the Community Engagement and Outreach Manager at Compudopt. The digital divide has impacted her. Because of a scholarship, she never had a computer until her freshman year of college.
“I was behind in a lot of things my friends knew about because they could afford a device In college, everyone already knew how to use a MacBook,” Shorts said. “Everyone knew how to work an iPad. Having the resources to afford it is meaningful because you don’t get left behind.”
This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship Lab. The Lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.
