Digital Divide During the COVID-19 Crisis: Lack of Internet Connectivity and Community Mesh Networks
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Lopez-Brown, Karina. “Digital Divide During the COVID-19 Crisis: Lack of Internet Connectivity and Community Mesh Networks.” UMBC Review: Journal of Undergraduate Research 23 (2022): 83–96. https://ur.umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/354/2022/07/UmbcReview2022_FINAL_DIGITAL_Sm.pdf
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Abstract
Recent research has shown that the COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated existing inequities, creating and amplifying new vulnerabilities. Additionally, scholars and policymakers have identified digital inequality as a major concern. At a time when many services and resources are rapidly transitioning to online formats, access to high-speed Internet connectivity to benefit from online educational, informational, employment and health resources, among others, is arguably more important than ever before. However, significant numbers of people in low-income settings lack reliable and affordable Internet access. This paper develops three intersecting aspects related to internet connectivity: the digital divide and Internet access for low-income families, Internet connectivity during crises, and utilizing mesh networks as a medium top rovide connectivity.