Broadband Deserts Left Millions Without High-Speed Access
A new study found that nearly 12 million people across 41 states lack reliable internet access at standard speeds.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Telecommunications
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Approximately 11.9 million Americans reside in broadband deserts where internet speeds fall below 100/20 Mbps. The analysis revealed that rural populations are disproportionately affected, with 88.1% of residents in these digital voids living outside urban centers.
Why it matters
The lack of reliable internet exacerbates existing health disparities, as hundreds of thousands of rural residents are isolated from essential clinical care and emergency services. Beyond connectivity, factors including digital literacy, device quality, and cost continue to create significant barriers to digital equity.
Broadband deserts are defined by service speeds below 100/20 Mbps, affecting 4.8% of the total study population. While 95% of rural households own a computing device, rural broadband subscription rates remain at 88.5%, trailing the 92.6% seen in urban areas.
The players
JAMA Health Forum
This is a peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes research on health policy, clinical care, and the social determinants of health.
The details
Researchers evaluated 41 states to compare internet availability against access to hospitals and ambulance services. The findings show that rural Western states face the most severe connectivity issues, with 31.9% of rural residents living in broadband-deficient areas.
Timeline
The study was published in JAMA Health Forum in September 2026.
The Tech Race
This study underscores the ongoing challenge of meeting the Federal Communications Commission's 100/20 Mbps broadband standard in geographically isolated regions. It highlights a critical departure from urban-centric infrastructure development as the nation attempts to bridge the digital divide.
Residents in identified broadband deserts face significant hurdles accessing telehealth services and online essential tools compared to their urban counterparts. For these households, low service speeds directly limit the ability to utilize modern digital health and emergency resources.
The takeaway
Reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but a fundamental component of accessing modern clinical and emergency care. Policymakers and providers must address affordability and infrastructure depth to ensure rural residents are not left behind in an increasingly digital health landscape.
Further reading
For more on the national effort to expand high-speed internet, visit the Telecommunications section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Telecompetitor.
Live Poll
Should the government prioritize funding to ensure all rural households have access to high-speed internet?
