Portland, Ore. — The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability has launched the Broadband Equity Study Story Map, an interactive tool designed to visualize internet access disparities across the city. The Story Map combines data analysis with personal experiences from residents impacted by the digital divide, offering a comprehensive review of the challenges and opportunities for improving broadband access.
As reliable, high-speed internet becomes increasingly essential for daily life—enabling access to healthcare, education, job training, and employment—many Portlanders still struggle with connectivity barriers. While some communities face outdated infrastructure or are lacking the requisite digital skills, affordability remains a critical issue in Portland, preventing many households from getting online.
“The Broadband Equity Study Story Map allows us to see where connectivity gaps exist in our city by directly learning from residents about their experiences accessing internet,” said Seema Gadh Kumar, Chief of Community Technology. “This tool will help guide our digital equity efforts and ensure we are advocating for policies that truly meet the needs of Portlanders.”
The Broadband Equity Study Story Map aims to:
- Identify populations consistently impacted by limited internet access.
- Map geographic areas at greater risk of prolonged disconnectivity (barriers to consistent connectivity).
- Highlight key themes from community insights that will inform digital equity policies.
- Strengthen the city’s efforts to secure funding for broadband affordability initiatives.
Despite recent federal investments in broadband expansion, much of Portland is unlikely to receive funding because the FCC Broadband Map designates most of the city as “served.” However the FCC broadband map does not capture the reality of Portland’s connectivity issues. The Broadband Equity Story Map seeks to remedy this by equipping policymakers, advocates, and community leaders with the data needed to push for stronger state and federal broadband policies.
The City of Portland encourages all Portlanders to explore the Broadband Equity Study Story Map and learn more about local broadband access issues.