Improving Digital Equity with Broadband Expansion
For many agencies, broadband expansion is essential to closing the digital divide and ensuring that the underserved aren’t left behind without reliable internet. The pandemic only emphasized what the National Association of State Chief Information Officers calls the “Broadband Imperative” to bring high-speed internet to every home at a reasonable price.
Those who had internet access during the 2020 pandemic shutdowns could still work from home, attend school remotely and conduct other essential business without exposing themselves to COVID-19, while those without quality internet access didn't have those options.
That’s why Placer and Crawford counties aren’t alone on this front. In May, Kansas governor Laura Kelly launched Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity, a $30 million program to make internet service faster, cheaper and more accessible. Later that month, the state announced the launch of a plan to expand broadband infrastructure, asking citizens to participate in a broadband speed test to help the state gather data to inform next steps.
In late May, it was announced at a New Mexico broadband summit that the state would get between $100 million and $700 million in funding to bring internet access to underserved communities, particularly rural and tribal communities, and catch up to federal broadband standards. Officials at the summit suggested that government agencies in New Mexico try professional development to accelerate broadband expansion by making sure their workers can handle implementation.
In Texas, a staggering 7 million residents still don’t have internet access, but the state is closer to closing that digital divide. On May 28, Texas made history with its biggest broadband investment ever of $1.5 billion. The bill is on its way to Gov. Greg Abbott after clearing both chambers of the Texas legislature.
UP NEXT: How do DMZ networks help state and local governments?
