The potential of 5G to reduce the digital divide

There have been a slew of stories coming out of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this year about new and advanced cutting-edge technologies and equipment but what should not be lost as we look at all the new toys and gadgets is the networks that will be required to drive all these new applications and tech, such as 5G wireless networks. At a CES panel, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai emphasized the importance of 5G wireless technology

and cited barriers including cost, access to spectrum, and work crews. However, he also emphasized that inaccessibility to broadband internet services limits the opportunity for Americans and that the FCC wants rural Americans, tribal communities, and farmers to be able to access the connection they need.

LGBT Tech has spoken often about the potential of 5G to transform technological access to unserved and underserved communities, such as the LGBTQ community, by helping to close the digital divide and allow individuals to access basic yet essential services. This is significant since minority communities like the LGBTQ community cannot afford to fall behind in the technology race when adequate access to reliable fast technology can impact everything from healthcare, education, economic opportunities or finding a safe community online and could make a huge difference between success and failure in everyday life. 5G has enormous potential to be a powerful tool to eradicate the digital divide as it has the potential to provide faster communications and increase response times for underserved and unserved communities.

For these reasons, LGBT Tech has consistently supported the FCC efforts to bring 5G technology to the masses as quickly as possible. Technology, through smartphones and wireless broadband networks, connects and empowers the LGBTQ community regardless of their geographic location. The internet has been a lifeline for LGBT people in smaller towns and remote communities, in particular. 5G has enormous potential to be a powerful tool to eradicate the digital divide as it has the potential to provide faster communications and increase response times for underserved and unserved communities.