Survey: 20 million U.S. households don’t have Internet access

May 20, 2008

Early findings from the National Technology Scan, an annual study conducted by Dallas-based Park Associates, show that 20 million U.S. households — equal to 18 percent of all U.S. households — do not have Internet access, down from 29 percent in the 2006 survey.

In addition, the study found that the head of the household in 21 percent of U.S. homes has never sent or received e-mail, according to the preliminary report issued May 13.

“Internet connections have slowly increased in U.S. households, but getting the disconnected minority online will continue to be difficult,” John Barrett, research director at Parks Associates, said in a news release.

Age and education level may have a major effect on Internet use, according to the report. Of those who have never used e-mail, 56 percent didn’t have an education beyond high school while another 50 percent were age 65 or older, the report showed.

“Age and economics are important factors, but the heart of the challenge is deeper,” Barrett said. “Many people just don’t see a reason to use computers and do not associate technology with the needs and demands of their daily lives.” — Compiled by Allison Barker for Tactics and The Strategist Online