American women in communities with ample broadband access lose less time waiting for services, reducing time poverty

A study examining the impact of broadband access on Americans' use of time has found that a 10% increase in broadband adoption within a community leads to a 1.19% reduction in waiting time. This phenomenon, known as time poverty, disproportionately affects lower-income women, who often juggle caregiving and household responsibilities alongside work.

Technology has the potential to significantly reduce waiting times for services, as businesses, healthcare providers, and government agencies increasingly offer online services, allowing residents to complete tasks from home. Consequently, physical lines at stores, clinics, and government offices diminish, resulting in shorter queues for those who still need to visit in person.

The study estimates that a 10% nationwide increase in broadband adoption could save approximately 36.5 million hours annually, equivalent to about US$1.2 billion at the current mean hourly wage. The research highlights that while increased broadband infrastructure is beneficial for middle-income individuals, it does not necessarily translate to equal time savings for low-income women.

Factors such as high monthly subscription fees and limited digital skills may hinder any potential gains for this group. Policymakers should consider pairing broadband investment with digital literacy programs and affordability initiatives to ensure that all women, regardless of economic background, can reap the time-saving benefits of digitalization.