ITIF-美国宽带价格居高不下会阻碍采用吗？（英文）-2021.2-13页_194kb

Broadband Myths: Are High Broadband Prices Holding Back Adoption?

Core Content

This document, authored by Doug Brake and Alexandra Bruer and published in February 2021, challenges the common misconception that high broadband prices are the primary barrier to broadband adoption in the United States. It argues that while affordability is a concern for some, it is not the central issue in the digital divide and that the U.S. broadband pricing is relatively comparable to both municipal and international providers.

Main Points

1. Broadband Affordability Is Not a Crisis

• Broadband affordability is a problem for some Americans, but not a widespread crisis.
• U.S. broadband prices are comparable to those in other peer nations and municipal providers.
• The affordability issue is often overstated and presented as a simple solution to the digital divide.

2. Pricing Comparisons Are Flawed

• Many studies, including those by the Open Technology Institute (OTI), fail to account for income levels and costs of service when comparing broadband prices.
• Advertised prices can be misleading, especially when they do not include additional fees or subsidies.
• Entry-level broadband prices in the U.S. are competitive with those of municipal providers when all costs are considered.

3. Affordability Is Only One Barrier

• Digital literacy, device costs, and access to physical networks also hinder broadband adoption.
• The pandemic has increased the relevance of broadband for remote learning and work, but other barriers remain.
• Research shows that non-price barriers are the main cause of non-adoption for most users.

4. Subsidy Programs, Not Structural Changes, Are the Solution

• The document advocates for improving direct subsidies to low-income users rather than changing industry structure.
• The FCC's Lifeline program should be modernized with a flexible voucher system.
• Automatic stabilizers should be incorporated to increase broadband support during economic downturns.

Key Information

U.S. Broadband Pricing Relative to Municipal and Private Providers

• Private entry-level broadband plans are often comparable to or more affordable than municipal options.
• Municipal providers often exclude low-cost offerings in their pricing studies, leading to biased comparisons.
• Installation fees for municipal broadband can be significant, especially when paid upfront.

U.S. Broadband Pricing Relative to International Markets

• The U.S. is ranked sixth globally for broadband affordability as a percentage of GNI per capita, on par with France and Singapore.
• Studies that compare broadband prices internationally often ignore purchasing power and income levels.
• Some countries, particularly in Africa, have much higher broadband prices than the U.S.

Affordability and the Digital Divide

• While affordability is a barrier, it is not the only one.
• Digital literacy and access to devices and infrastructure are also significant obstacles.
• The document emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to broadband adoption that includes education and support beyond just price.

Policy Recommendations

• Improve and expand subsidy programs for low-income users.
• Modernize the Lifeline program to include flexible vouchers and automatic stabilizers.
• Avoid unnecessary structural changes to the broadband industry.
• Focus on ensuring entry-level broadband is affordable, not the highest-tier services.

Conclusion

The authors argue that affordability is not the root cause of the digital divide and that effective policy should focus on direct support for low-income users and improving digital literacy. They caution against overemphasizing price comparisons and suggest that the current competitive system is not the problem, but rather the lack of adequate subsidies and support mechanisms. The document highlights the importance of addressing the multifaceted nature of broadband adoption challenges and promoting inclusive, effective solutions.