Today, a New York Times tech article takes a closer look at recent Pew data to reveal that broadband usage among African-Americans jumped 22 percent this year over 2009.  The article notes that despite digital divide challenges such as relevance and digital literacy, the economic downturn seems to be serving as an impetus for turning to broadband to help with career information.

“Although the rise in home broadband usage among African-Americans seems surprising in light of the current recession,” said Aaron Smith, senior research specialist at Pew, the fact that a greater percentage of African-Americans say lack of broadband access is a disadvantage, particularly for obtaining career information, “speaks to a recognition within the African-American community that digital connectivity is essential, even — and perhaps especially — during hard economic times.”

As broadband delivers job skills, research, and opportunities, it seems that our current economic downturn could be a trigger for further broadband adoption.

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