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Shining Light on Farm & Food Policy for 20 Years.
Tuesday, October 08, 2024
In this opinion piece, Betsy Huber with the National Grange discusses the need to allocate broadband funding appropriately to reach the last mile of rural America.
A massive bipartisan infrastructure bill the Senate is debating this week would make a historic $65 billion investment in expanding high-speed internet, but the bulk of the funding would be routed through states, and rural broadband advocates want to see the Agriculture Department play a bigger role in distributing the funding.
A recent broadband coverage map released by the White House further illustrates rural America is in dire need of faster internet speeds, but at least one rural state is doing better than most, thanks to a commitment by local providers.
As Jessica Rosenworcel transitions into the role of acting chair of the Federal Communications Commission, rural broadband leaders are expecting her to maintain her criticism of the agency's broadband coverage maps and keep a focus on identifying gaps in high-speed internet service.
Rural electric cooperatives, satellite and telecom companies are among 386 applicants eligible for the Federal Communications Commission’s high-speed internet funding reverse auction next week, and stakeholders will be watching to ensure funding builds out broadband in unserved areas as intended.