Bridging the Digital Divide for HBCUs in Broadband Deserts

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a poignant email from a Claflin University student revealed a harsh reality: to complete her senior thesis, she drove nine miles daily to sit in a McDonald’s parking lot for Wi-Fi access. This story is not isolated but emblematic of a widespread issue affecting many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) located in broadband deserts—areas with severely limited or no internet connectivity.

Claflin University responded swiftly by partnering with the Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) and technology leader Cisco to deploy 5G internet service on campus. This collaboration transformed a once disconnected campus into a thriving digital environment, enabling students to engage fully in their education without risking health or safety.

Understanding Broadband Deserts and Their Impact on HBCUs

Broadband deserts predominantly exist in the Black Rural South, spanning over 152 counties across states like Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Approximately 82% of HBCUs are situated in these areas, facing systemic challenges rooted in historical underfunding and digital redlining—a discriminatory practice where internet providers exclude certain communities from service.

The legacy of redlining, dating back to the 1930s, has evolved into digital redlining, where broadband infrastructure and competition are lacking in predominantly Black communities. This digital divide exacerbates educational inequities, limiting students’ access to online resources, digital literacy, and workforce readiness.

The Role of Federal Funding and Nonprofit Initiatives

Federal programs like the Digital Equity Act (DEA) aimed to bridge this gap with $2.75 billion in funding but were abruptly terminated in 2023. The Affordable Connectivity Program also ended in 2024, leaving millions without affordable internet access. These setbacks have stalled progress, but organizations like SFI continue to push forward by leveraging partnerships with philanthropists and corporations.

SFI’s collaboration with Cisco to deploy 5G hotspots at Claflin University is a prime example of how non-federal efforts can create immediate impact. Additionally, SFI connects HBCUs with high-net-worth individuals like Robert F. Smith, whose philanthropic efforts have significantly supported student success and debt relief.

Economic and Educational Benefits of Closing the Broadband Gap

Improving broadband infrastructure at HBCUs is not just about education; it’s an economic imperative. McKinsey estimates that enhanced connectivity could boost Black worker incomes by $10 million, generate $1.2 billion in business profits, reduce student loan debt by $300 million, and increase consumer spending by $1 billion. This ripple effect could add up to half a trillion dollars to the US GDP.

For students, reliable high-speed internet is essential to keep pace in a digital world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and online learning platforms. Without it, students face a competitive disadvantage akin to running a marathon while others sprint ahead.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Progress Amid Challenges

While federal funding uncertainties persist, the commitment of nonprofits, corporate partners, and philanthropists remains vital. Claflin University’s success story demonstrates what is possible when innovative partnerships prioritize digital equity. However, with 82% of HBCUs still in broadband deserts, sustained effort and investment are critical to ensure all students have the connectivity they need to thrive.

Addressing the digital divide is more than a technological challenge; it’s a social and economic justice imperative. By bridging broadband deserts, we empower students, strengthen communities, and unlock the full potential of HBCUs as engines of opportunity and growth.