Bridging the Digital Divide: Understanding Broadband and Digital Inclusion in Travis County

Assessing the Need: A Community-Centered Approach

Our vision is for a vibrant and inclusive community where every individual can flourish and reach their full potential. We recognize that access, affordability, and use of broadband and connectivity is a necessity, not a luxury.  

Across Travis County, thousands of residents are “unserved” or “underserved,” meaning they lack reliable access to broadband and digital devices. For many, the biggest obstacle is affordability. Without affordable internet service and necessary devices, families struggle to access education, healthcare, and economic opportunities—widening existing disparities. 

In 2022, Travis County Technology and Operations and the City of Austin Office of Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs, with support from St. David’s Foundation, launched a community-driven needs assessment. The goal of this assessment was to learn more about the needs of those in our community who experience the highest barriers to connectivity, what barriers they might uniquely face, and how these barriers might most effectively be addressed. Through surveys, advisory workshops, non-profit collaborations, and community circles, the needs assessment revealed deep inequities in digital access across demographics and geographies and recommendations to address the challenges.

Key Findings: Who You Are and Where You Live Matter

1. Digital Disparities Are Tied to Income, Race, and Geography

This needs assessment confirmed that digital access is not evenly distributed. Immigrants, refugees, seniors, individuals with disabilities, low-income households, and others face the highest barriers. Communities of color and certain neighborhoods also experience disproportionate challenges in securing reliable broadband access. 

2. Cost Is the Biggest Barrier

For most respondents, affordability is the number one challenge. Many households simply cannot afford broadband service or devices, forcing them to make difficult choices about connectivity. 

3. Computers to Thrive and Mobile to Survive

While smartphones provide essential connectivity, they are not a substitute for computers. Tasks like applying for jobs, completing school assignments, and accessing government services are far easier on a desktop or laptop. However, for those struggling to afford home internet, mobile data plans often become the only option—leaving them vulnerable to connectivity disruptions due to limited data, poor network coverage, or device issues. 

Closing the Gap: Key Recommendations

To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is required. The following are some of the key recommendations identified in the needs assessment: 

• Provide targeted support to populations that have higher digital barriers 

• Identify and support strategies to make sure all consumers know what low-cost internet options are available and how to compare and sign up for plans  

• Increase availability, accessibility, and awareness of free public access internet options 

• Advocate for the accessibility of services, programs, and information online, especially on mobile 

• Identify, support, and promote sources of low-cost devices 

• Increase the availability, awareness, and affordability of options to have devices repaired and/or receive technology support 

• Support the ability of consumers to repair their own devices 

• Provide digital skills training in diverse ways that meet different learning styles, contexts, and schedules  

• Provide the public with information on anti-spam laws 

• Support the decision-making autonomy when it comes to decisions about the internet and technology
  

Moving Forward Together

While many organizations are working to promote digital inclusivity in Central Texas, this assessment emphasized the need for sustained collaboration across government, philanthropy, and private institutions. By centering community voices and fostering partnerships, we can ensure that Austin isn’t just a tech powerhouse for some—but a connected, thriving region for all.