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Broadband Access a ‘Matter of Life and Death’ During Pandemic

As Covid-19 raged, access to high-speed internet saved lives. The effects were especially pronounced in cities, researchers found.

Vice-President Kamala Harris discusses expanding access to high-speed internet on Feb. 14, 2022.

Vice-President Kamala Harris discusses expanding access to high-speed internet on Feb. 14, 2022.

Photographer: Oliver Contreras/Abaca/Bloomberg

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Greater access to high-speed internet reduced Covid-19 deaths in the US, according to a new analysis that underscores the importance of digital connectivity for public health.

A 1% increase in broadband access nationwide lowered Covid-19 mortality by about 19 deaths per 100,000, found researchers at Digital Planet, a research initiative at The Fletcher School at Tufts University.