Center for

Rural Strategies

Rural Latin@s and Broadband

Edyael Casaperalta

Rural LatinosLatino population growth since 2000 has offset

non-Latino population loss in many nonmetro counties.

Rural Latinos

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, PEW Hispanic Center, Economic Research Service

Rural: 52 million Latino: 35.3 million or 12.5%• Diverse• Multilingual• Young• Poor

South Dakota Lincoln CountyShannon County

Internet Use Amongst Latinos

68% English-speaking Latinos have broadband at home.

Broadband in Rural

46% of rural residents have broadband at home.

Challenges to Broadband Adoption

Access 53% off-line Latinos simply do not have access. 30% of rural broadband users have one subscriber available.

Affordability 39% of Latinos with income less than $30,000 go online. 6% off-line Latinos say it is too expensive.

Relevance 18% off-line Latinos are not interested. 10% off-line Latinos think it is too difficult/frustrating.

Source: Latinos Online, Pew Hispanic Center/Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2007

Education Individuals who have not graduated from high school are much less likely to

use internet regardless of racial/ethnic background.

Rural Latin@ Issues

Economic Development Education Healthcare Civic Engagement

Knowledge Production

Content that is community-based Content that is culturally relevant Content that is in our own language Content that combats hate speech

Broadband is a tool

The Rural Broadband Policy Group

To articulate national broadband policies that provide opportunities for rural communities to participate fully in the nation's democracy, economy, culture, and society, and

To spark and kindle national collaboration among rural broadband advocates.

Rural Broadband Principles

1. Communication is a fundamental human right.2. Rural America is diverse.3. Local ownership and investment in community is the priority.4. Network neutrality and open access are vital.