Internet Pricing Discrimination Uncovered
A law professor, Catherine Sandoval, has revealed how broadband providers are disproportionately charging low-income neighborhoods in Los Angeles in a form of digital redlining.
Unequal access to affordable high-speed internet is one of the most pressing civil rights issues of the digital age.
The 2021 Infrastructure Act required the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt rules to prevent "digital discrimination of access" based on income, race, ethnicity, and other protected categories.
Despite this, 24 million Americans still lack access to the FCC's benchmark broadband speeds of 100 Mbps down/20 up, with affordability being the biggest obstacle for many.
A research project by Professor Sandoval made the issue more tangible, highlighting the need for action to address digital discrimination.
digital discrimination of access
Author's summary: Research reveals internet pricing discrimination against low-income neighborhoods.