BROADBAND DATA ANALYSIS
The Capital Region Planning Commission (CRPC) aims to evaluate broadband access across various parishes in the region to address digital inequities and improve connectivity for unserved and underserved populations. This report analyzes broadband coverage, current providers, digital illiteracy, and socioeconomic factors influencing broadband access in the parishes under the CRPC’s purview. The analysis is based on the table and map provided by Connect Louisiana, which outline broadband availability, income levels, and the digitally illiterate population across 11 parishes.
Broadband Data Analysis
KEY FINDINGS
- UNSERVED RESIDENTS
- The percentage of unserved residents varies significantly among the parishes (as shown in the table):
- West Feliciana has the highest percentage of unserved residents, with 49.09% lacking access to broadband services.
- St. Helena and Washington Parishes also show concerning levels of unserved residents, at 41.40% and 34%, respectively.
- In contrast, Ascension and East Baton Rouge report the lowest unserved population percentages, with 1.03% and 1.84%, respectively.
- CURRENT RDOF PROVIDERS
- Several parishes are served by a range of providers under the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). Key providers include:
- Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), present in most parishes.
- CCO Holdings LLC and Segnem Egere Consortium also serve multiple parishes, contributing to increased coverage.
- The map provided by Connect Louisiana highlights these providers’ coverage areas, showcasing where broadband expansion efforts are concentrated.
- POTENTIAL RDOF LOCATIONS
The number of potential locations where RDOF funding could expand broadband varies, as detailed in the table:
- Washington Parish leads with 10,467 potential locations.
- East Feliciana, Tangipahoa, and St. Helena also present significant opportunities for expansion, with 4,986, 4,274, and 3,200 potential locations, respectively.
- East Baton Rouge shows no potential RDOF locations, indicating that broadband infrastructure may already be sufficient or fully developed.
- SOCIOECONOMIC INDICATORS
The report considers median household income, poverty rates, and digitally illiterate populations to evaluate the economic and educational challenges impacting broadband adoption.
- Median household income varies widely across parishes, with Ascension reporting the highest at $80,527 and Washington the lowest at $37,570.
- Poverty rates are particularly high in Washington Parish (24.90%), Tangipahoa Parish (21.70%), and West Feliciana (22.10%).
- Digital illiteracy rates are concerning across several parishes, as shown in the table, with East Baton Rouge reporting the highest number of digitally illiterate residents (48,985), followed by Ascension (12,043) and Livingston (11,435).
KEY FINDINGS – COMPUTER & BROADBAND ACCESS (2018 – 2022)
- Most parishes report high computer ownership, with over 85% of households having a computer. St. Helena and Pointe Coupee fall slightly behind, with rates closer to 80%.
- Broadband internet subscription rates are generally lower than computer ownership, with St. Helena and Washington reporting the lowest access (under 75%), indicating a digital divide in rural areas.
- Ascension, West Baton Rouge, and Livingston lead in both computer and broadband access, with rates close to or above 90%, reflecting better infrastructure and connectivity.
- The data highlights the need for targeted investments in broadband expansion, particularly in underserved parishes, to ensure equitable access to online services, education, and economic opportunities.
Broadband access remains uneven across the Capital Region, with significant digital divides affecting economically disadvantaged and rural communities. By strategically expanding infrastructure, improving affordability, and promoting digital literacy, CRPC can make substantial progress toward bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive economic growth in the region.