To close the digital divide, policymakers should prioritize which action?

• A. Limit public access to internet to control costs.
• B. Expand access to computers and the Internet for underserved communities.
• C. Increase licensing requirements for devices.
• D. Promote exclusive use of mobile data.

Answer: (B)

Expanding access to computers and the Internet for underserved communities is the best move because access to technology and connectivity is the gateway to participating in education, work, healthcare, and civic life. When people have affordable devices, reliable internet, and the skills to use them, they can learn online, apply for jobs, access services, and engage with others more easily. This directly reduces the barriers that create the digital divide, promoting fairness and opportunity.

Other options would worsen disparities. Limiting public access to the Internet makes it harder for people who can’t afford private connectivity to get online. Increasing licensing requirements for devices adds costs and friction, potentially making technology less affordable. Pushing exclusive use of mobile data restricts capacity, coverage, and reliability, which can be prohibitively expensive and insufficient for sustained use.