The State of Broadband Access in Mississippi

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The COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. highlighted the vital need for broadband internet access to complete everyday activities. For example, online learning, telehealth, e-commerce, and remote work require a reliable internet connection. Due to the scope of this issue, it is important to assess where broadband availability is lacking in Mississippi. Broadband access varies across geographic locations, as well as socioeconomic segments of the population. This publication maps and analyzes the availability of broadband internet in the state and assesses how availability changes based on the rurality and economic well-being of the area.

Broadband data comes from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). FCC data from December 2019 is used for analysis. In accordance with the standard broadband definition, broadband internet is an internet connection with at least 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps upload speed. As of December 2019, approximately 20 percent of the Mississippi population did not have access to broadband internet. Table 1 displays how the percentage of Mississippi’s population with and without broadband access compares to neighboring states. Compared to other states in the region, Mississippi has the highest percentage of their population with no broadband availability (19.7 percent), followed closely by Arkansas at 19 percent.

This publication provides a detailed examination into the current situation of broadband access in Mississippi. An additional technology-related variable and two economic indicators were evaluated to determine if they have any relationship with broadband availability. The regional analysis lends support to the idea of a “digital divide” in terms of broadband access between rural and urban areas.  For answers to specific questions, please contact state Extension specialists or your local Extension office.

Publication 3653 (POD-02-25)

By Devon Mills, PhD, Assistant Professor; Ayoung Kim, PhD, Assistant Professor; Alan Barefield, PhD, Special Projects Coordinator; and James Barnes, PhD, Extension Professor, Agricultural Economics.