For many of us who have broadband internet access, it's hard to imagine going back to the days of dial-up…or anything short of our current broadband speeds for that matter. But a report released today by the Federal Communications Commission sheds some light on the current degree of permeation of broadband internet technology in the United States, and the results might surprise you. It turns out that 35% of adults in the U.S., around 80 Million people, do not have high-speed internet connections in their homes. In addition to this figure, the FCC estimates that around 13 million children over the age of five are also without high-speed internet access. This data comes from the FCC's National Broadband Plan Consumer Survey, which reveals three major reasons why so many people go without high-speed. It comes down to affordability, digital skills and interest. Let's look at affordability: The average monthly broadband bill among those surveyed was $41. 15% of non-broadband-adopters said that they were discouraged by high monthly fees, while 15% could not afford a computer, and 9% did not want to enter a long-term service contract. Next up, digital skills: 22% of non-adopters reported that they do not have the digital skills required to take advantage of broadband internet, while 12% were concerned about exposure to unwanted online content and worried about personal information security. The third reason? Lack of interest: 19% of non-adopters (that would be around 15 million adults), feel that the Internet is a waste of time and that there is no interesting content available for them. Among remaining dial-up users, many saw no enticing reason to upgrade their current service. The Obama administration wants this to change, and on March 17th, the FCC is expected to deliver a plan to Congress outlining the future direction of affordable broadband internet access in America. The U.S. currently ranks behind countries like France and Korea in broadband speeds, and stands somewhere around 18th worldwide. At this time, the FCC groups Americans without broadband internet into four major categories, each one signifying a greater degree of reluctance to adopt. These groups are listed as "Near Converts," (30%) "Digital Hopefuls," (22%) the "Digitally Uncomfortable" (20%) and the "Digitally Distant" (28%).