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Rural Broadband

Sep 21 2023

Rural America and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

Of the 28 million households in the U.S. that lack broadband internet in their home, 18 million say it is because they cannot afford an internet connection.

For rural Americans, that lack of affordability – paired with the rural-urban digital divide – often means insurmountable challenges to accessing an affordable connection to the internet.

In September of 2023, the Rural & Agriculture Council of America (RACA), the National Grange, RuralRISE Tech, and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging renewal of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). 

Let’s look at the program and how it can help rural communities. 

What is the ACP?

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC program that focuses on broadband affordability for American households. 

A young Black girl sits at a laptop. The text on the image reads, "Affordable Connectivity Program, Helping Households Get Access to Broadband"

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Why Does it Matter for Rural America?

Excerpting from the letter, emphasis ours:

Overwhelmingly, rural communities’ connectivity has been categorized as a long-term problem to address. These Americans have been overlooked as lawmakers view the digital divide through the simplistic, narrow lens of “who can we help with the most immediate impact”. 

This is because the historical narrative around broadband access holds that households are unconnected because they simply lack access to high-speed internet infrastructure. Indeed, broadband deployment has been toughest in hard-to-reach areas, which in turn causes high costs for internet on rural consumers. 

However, the ACP has alleviated such high costs through providing a discount. This affordability initiative ensures the billions of federal dollars that Congress and The White House have designated to states help build out more broadband infrastructure, through the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, are going to have a tangible impact for the Americans who need it most. 

So, what can you do to support the program?

Help Get the Word Out

There are a number of ways to support the ACP, including reaching out to your representatives in the House and Senate. 

You can read the letter of support here. You can help your community get enrolled, and share the information with others in rural areas. You can also learn more about the program, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting https://www.fcc.gov/acp or calling 877-384-2575.

Written by RuralRISE Tech · Categorized: Rural Broadband · Tagged: broadband internet, Rural Infrastructure, Rural Tech

Oct 12 2022

How Replenishing America’s Spectrum Pipeline Will Result in Better Rural Wireless Service

The wireless industry has been on a journey to continuously improve networks since its inception two decades ago. The newest generation of wireless technology, 5G, is designed to enhance some of the current industrial technology rural America runs on. 

As wireless technology continues to improve, the networks themselves will need more wireless spectrum. Additional wireless spectrum for 5G networks will enable farmers to monitor crops, inspect soil conditions, and measure carbon levels at faster and more reliable speeds than ever before. 

But what does that mean for rural residents?

5G Will Revolutionize Rural America 

5G technology delivers fast download speeds and quick connection times in areas currently deploying 5G networks. For rural areas, everything from education to healthcare will be revolutionized once 5G networks are deployed and accessible to rural users. 

For remote learners in rural communities, 5G mobile broadband helps close connectivity gaps so students can connect to educational resources anywhere. 

A person types on a laptop with a stethoscope next to them. Healthcare will be positively impacted by improved 5G coverage.

In healthcare, professionals use 5G to monitor diagnostics, manage hospital inventory, and even support robot-assisted surgery. This is game-changing in rural areas where patients are driving as much as 2 hours to access quality healthcare, then are sometimes unable to return to that provider for follow-up appointments or necessary ongoing therapies.

With 5G networks, the innovations are exciting, and the opportunities are endless. We know what’s next for rural residents with 5G: dependable precision agriculture data collection, consistent access to first-class learning materials and practices, and improved healthcare.

But how do we get there and make these exciting 5G innovations possible? 

Replenishing the Spectrum Pipeline

To keep America competitive, we should start by replenishing America’s pipeline of wireless spectrum. 

Think of spectrum as communications signals that power everything from mobile phones to satellite TV. Spectrum also supports 5G networks, delivering profound social, economic, and environmental benefits to small and rural communities. 

A cell phone with 5G wireless and several apps on the screen.

Unfortunately, the United States is out of step with our competitors when it comes to spectrum policy. Simply put, America’s pipeline of wireless spectrum is running out, and we risk losing out on cutting-edge innovations unless we fill the gaps. 

A new report from Accenture found that the commercial wireless industry holds just 5% of lower mid-band spectrum – compared to 61% held by the government. 

Mid-band spectrum is best for deploying 5G technology and innovation across rural America. To do so, the wireless industry must play a more active role, and government should repurpose valuable spectrum so wireless assets are managed more efficiently.

Replenishing the spectrum pipeline begins by identifying spectrum bands that can be repurposed from government use for commercial 5G and used to their full potential. 

One place to look is the 3.1 to 3.45 GHz band. This band’s large coverage range makes it ideal for supporting 5G and fixed wireless access in rural areas. 

Another reason is mid-band spectrum boasts speeds similar to broadband internet in some instances, which makes it a convenient solution for rural residents without home internet. 

Closing the Rural Digital Divide is Within Reach

Delivering fiber internet service to the home is the gold standard of connectivity, but deploying fiber across the U.S. will take time. No one should have to settle for sub-par service or sit outside a local library simply to access the internet.

Luckily, 5G has an immediate role to play in filling connectivity gaps. Accenture estimates that industry’s 5G fixed wireless deployments could serve nearly half of rural households in a much shorter timeframe. 

Necessary tools to close the rural digital divide are out there. Millions of households, thousands of businesses, and countless entrepreneurs living in small and rural communities across America are ready to innovate, but they need wireless tools to get started. 

5G does not come without challenges. But regardless of your thoughts on 5G, it will be a component in closing the rural digital divide along with other solutions. 

We’re calling on policymakers to replenish the spectrum pipeline so 5G can unlock next-generation innovations for rural America.

Written by RuralRISE Tech · Categorized: Rural Broadband · Tagged: broadband internet, Rural Future Trends, Rural Tech

Oct 04 2022

​​How the Rural-Urban Divide Impacts Digital and Technology Literacy

As most people know, traditional literacy refers to reading, writing, and the skills needed to perform those tasks, such as phonetics, context clues, and a willingness to think critically about communication.

As a society, we are developing a more modern type of scholarship – digital literacy – which takes literacy skills and applies them to technology. 

Digital literacy, sometimes called technology literacy, uses information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring cognitive and technical skills.

Digital literacy expands the scope of traditional literacy by including skills such as:

  • interacting with varying technology devices,
  • using digital applications,
  • digital production,
  • critical consumption of media and websites,
  • courseware, or
  • cloud computing.

But what does digital literacy look like in rural areas?

Digital Literacy’s Rural-Urban Divide

The gap between people who have access to broadband services (and know how to use them) and those who don’t is referred to as the “digital divide.”

Many factors contribute to this digital divide, including age, socioeconomic status, race, and living conditions, such as rural and urban community living. In addition, the current landscape of broadband infrastructure – who has Internet access and how they get it – influences technology literacy.

As broadband infrastructure is deployed across more accessible, affluent, and densely populated communities, low-income, minority, and rural communities have been neglected; their experience of low digital literacy contributes to this digital divide.

Of the 25 million Americans without broadband access, 19 million live in rural areas. Survey data from the Pew Research Center reports that 58% of adults in rural areas have a high-speed broadband connection at home, as opposed to 67% in urban areas and 70% in suburban areas.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this rural-urban digital divide and made Americans more aware of the importance of digital literacy for daily living. 

Telehealth, for example, has drastically expanded under the COVID-19 pandemic. Where possible, more providers now rely on technology to assist rural residents with health concerns, prescriptions, and treatments.

With this digital gap potentially holding back rural areas, what can our communities do to help bridge the divide?

Digital Literacy Skills Teaching

Just like traditional literacy, we can teach digital literacy. A number of initiatives are already in place that work to improve technology literacy. Some of these efforts target rural communities to help close the rural-urban divide.

Here are a few examples of these technology literacy programs:

Schools are critical players in the advancement of digital literacy. The federal E-Rate program has encouraged broadband deployment to rural schools and libraries. As schools and libraries integrate these digital tools into their curriculums, users are more likely to develop digital literacy skills.

The U.S Department of Education has many digital literacy initiatives, including a program focused on teaching adults how to use digital tools for problem-solving.

The private business Techboomer is a free educational website that teaches older adults and other inexperienced Internet users basic computer skills to help improve their quality of life. In addition to many online classes, they assembled a list of the 31 Best Digital Literacy Organizations; each includes a link to the organization’s webpage, a short description of its background, and its primary goal.

DigitalLead is working to increase digital skills programming and access to technology in rural communities, specifically in rural libraries. Libraries apply for the program that provides hardware and digital skills training and resources, helping rural populations reap the benefits of broadband internet connectivity.

The Rural LISC Digital Navigators program is increasing digital literacy for all rural residents by connecting residents to discounted or subsidized Internet service plans. Rural LISC is also pursuing strategies to increase internet adoption, including:

  • affordable housing communities that work to deploy low-cost or free connectivity in common areas and residential units, and 
  • increasing the availability of public-access WiFi networks by engaging small businesses.

Let’s also look at the people and organizations most impacted by technology literacy in rural areas.

Who Will Benefit from Improved Digital Literacy?

From the self-checkout line to online banking to vetting which recipe you want to use at home, digital literacy is becoming entwined in day-to-day American life and will become even more critical as technology continues to advance.

Teaching and learning digital literacy skills is as relevant now as it ever has been, especially as we seek to reduce the current digital divide.

Rural residents can benefit from improved digital literacy in many ways. Let’s look at a few of them.

Students in rural education systems can benefit from digital literacy programs and programs that integrate technology into the classroom. Education technology connects rural students with resources outside of their immediate learning environment. 

For example, rural schools may not offer Advanced Placement courses which prepare students for college, but with the right technology available, students can virtually participate in those courses. 

Furthermore, more colleges offer education virtually, and the Online Learning Consortium reports that one in four students is taking courses online.

Improved digital literacy will empower elderly residents of rural areas to access online community resources and simple tools like grocery shopping and bill pay. In addition, there are efforts to connect elderly rural residents to telehealth resources to cut their cost of care and improve relationships with primary care physicians. 

Rural immigrants can access cultural community resources and second-language training tools. Furthermore, the internet is a valuable tool for immigrants who use it to communicate with community members in their nation of origin.

From a workforce development perspective, closing the gap in digital literacy is critical to ensuring individuals can participate in an increasingly digital economy. Job seekers use the internet for job searches, communication with potential employers, and training.

Tribal Lands are characterized by rural and remote locations, and residents on Tribal Lands have some of the lowest rates of broadband access; this makes the need to close this gap even more significant.

For Indigenous people, the internet is a tool for cultural survival and a hub for languages and traditions. Those who have access to the Internet can virtually learn traditional skills, find role models, create community, obtain an education, access healthcare, and more.

Knowing all this, you might wonder what’s next for rural digital literacy.

Closing the Rural-Urban Digital Divide

In this modern era, digital literacy is increasingly necessary, with technology woven into daily life. Closing the urban-rural divide will benefit not only our nation as a whole but also specific rural residents, including students, elderly individuals, immigrants, and Tribal Land residents. 

As we move into this new digital age, conversations about the impact of programs closing the urban-rural digital literacy divide will help communities understand what it takes to build successful programs and potential program pitfalls. 

We want to know: what are your experiences with current solutions, resources, and programs for digital literacy? You’re invited to share your personal experiences by commenting here or visiting us on Twitter (@RuralRISE).

Written by RuralRISE Tech · Categorized: Rural Broadband · Tagged: Rural Future Trends, Rural Tech

Aug 30 2022

5 Infrastructure Options to Increase Rural Broadband Internet Access

For inhabitants of urban areas, Internet access feels like a guarantee. However, rural residents know that having access to reliable Internet is anything but certain.

To bridge that connectivity gap and help expand the reach of broadband service to rural areas, the Affordable Connectivity Program was created in late 2021.

But what kind of infrastructure is available to rural communities looking to expand access to all residents? Multiple types of infrastructure can create broadband connectivity, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. In all cases, cost is a driving consideration. 

No singular solution will work to equip all rural areas with high-speed broadband because every area has a unique baseline of resources available and different considerations when selecting broadband infrastructure that works for their region.

This post breaks down five kinds of Internet infrastructure and where rural communities might best utilize it.

Five Types of Broadband Infrastructure

Broadband infrastructure refers to the networks of deployed telecommunications equipment and technologies necessary to provide high-speed Internet access.

The most commonly used broadband infrastructures include plain old telephone services, fiber-optic cables, satellites, 4G and 5G networks, and fixed-wireless networks. 

Let’s look at each in detail, including the benefits and drawbacks.

1. Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) 

Plain Old Telephone Service is the traditional analog phone service operating through physical copper wires. 

These are the old-school telephone poles and wires draped along roadsides and over hills, connecting individual homes to communication networks. 

The benefits of upgrading the POTS system are clear: 

Copper wires in good condition can be enhanced with the addition of a modem (a digital device that converts phone data into a data format that’s transmissible through the POTS), yielding high-speed internet connectivity. 

Established telephone lines in rural areas are commonplace, which makes them an excellent resource for expanding high-speed internet to rural areas. Modems in the home physically connect a computer to the Internet through a cable and provide fast and stable connections. 

The list of drawbacks, however, is not insignificant:

Signal interference often comes from inclement weather; because the infrastructure is out in the open, damage to the poles and wires will interrupt services. 

Attenuation (the loss of signal over distance) occurs as a user is further from robust POTS infrastructure. 

Users also experience asymmetrical speeds for uploading and downloading.

2. Fiber-Optic Cables

Unlike the copper cables in POTS systems which use electrical voltage to transmit data, fiber-optic cables are broadband-specific cables buried underground that create a communicating network of glass or plastic carrying light (data).

This revolutionary invention provides a fast and reliable internet connection, and because the cables are buried, the quality of the connection is not impacted by weather and is infrequently damaged. 

Certainly, drawbacks exist:

It is a labor-intensive resource to deploy (and not cheap)! 

For example, the cost for providers to install fiber-optic calves is between $1 and $6 per linear foot of cable. However, this does not include labor and machinery, conduit, and any unforeseen setbacks a large installation might face.

Furthermore, burying cables is challenging in rough terrain, which elevates the cost and may be prohibitive to the process. In addition, there are sometimes right-of-way concerns.

Despite the drawbacks, this technology has been used for decades and will remain the dominant method of transmitting information for the foreseeable future. 

Given the preference for this method, there have been some advances in the deployment process.

For example, some engineers are using a method called microtrenching, where instead of burying the cables three feet below the ground as is traditional, a narrow cut in the ground is made that’s approximately 1-2 inches wide and up to one foot deep.

A State to Emulate

North Dakota offers a success story in the deployment of fiber-optic cable networks. The state installed hundreds of miles of high-speed fiber-optic cables through a federal program launched under President Obama, the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). 

Through BTOP, North Dakota prioritized running high-speed fiber-optic cables to large universities around the state. Establishing these public institutions as hubs for high-speed internet increased the number of anchor networks around the state and decreased the middle mile gap. 

As shown on the map below, North Dakota has some of the most effective high-speed Internet in the nation.

Image Source: How Did North Dakota Become the Crown Jewel of the Internet in the Midwest?

3. Satellite Internet 

Satellite Internet uses a satellite dish that facilitates two-way (upload and download) data transmission. Individual users place a small satellite dish on top of their roof or another static object on their property, transmitting data signals from the at-home satellite dish to one in orbit around the Earth.

Installing a satellite dish is simple and once established, the Internet connection is immediate and often faster than a POTS connection. Compared to fiber-optic, however, satellite service is slower. 

Its ease of installment and non-reliance on larger Internet providers is a significant perk for users in rural and remote areas. However, while a satellite server would not be subject to the functionality of an entire system such as the POTS and fiber-optic, damage to the individual device is possible and would immediately interrupt service. 

Additionally, satellite service sometimes experiences signal interference due to weather.

Cost to the user is one drawback of satellite service. The average cost of a satellite internet plan is $110/month, not including the initial cost of purchasing the satellite and having it installed, altogether a few hundred dollars.

4. 4G and 5G Networks 

Mobile/Cellular carriers provide 4G (fourth generation) and 5G (fifth generation) networks of cellular communication, which use radio waves to transmit data that enables Internet connection.

The difference between 4G and 5G is the data transmission speed. 5G networks are more efficient, capable of handling more connections per antenna and providing faster upload and download speeds; 5G will eventually replace the 4G network. 

And antennas that navigate these radio waves can be placed on established infrastructure like telephone poles and public institutions.

The ubiquity and portability of mobile devices like cell phones make this method of internet connectivity desirable. 

Once providers install the 4G or 5G antennas, users immediately benefit. While 4G networks were designed with cellphones in mind, 5G networks are designed to be compatible with other industrial technology.

Farmers in rural America already benefit from this advanced infrastructure as they use high-tech tractors to coordinate planting, watering, harvesting, and crop data. 

Unsurprisingly, reliable cellular access is still challenging in rural and remote areas, with people reporting spotty to no coverage. Because of this, as 4G and 5G networks expand, providers will need to consider how to reach areas that still lack adequate cell coverage.

5. Fixed-Wireless Networks 

Fixed-wireless networks are stationary towers and antennas that carry data through radio waves transmitting a carrier’s signal across frequencies. Significantly, this technology advances 5G networks of cellular communication that enable Internet connection. 

Fixed-wireless deployment relies on a central tower that broadcasts signals to other receivers installed on individual users. Like a satellite dish, a 5G antenna can be installed on a user’s property and provide a wireless connection to multiple personal devices. 

Much like 4G and 5G networks, the main benefit of fixed-wireless networks is that it builds upon the commonplace technology of cell phone service. It also rivals fiber-optic cable connectivity in speed.

However, the cost of bringing a fixed-wireless network to the home is not insignificant. Similar to satellite connectivity, there is a cost for installation and varying equipment such as the antenna, router, and surge protector. 

Another commonly cited drawback to fixed-wireless is that when multiple devices are connected to a fixed-wireless antenna and used simultaneously, the connection becomes less effective. Attenuation is also a factor for fixed-wireless networks, with greater distance from the antenna reducing the connection speeds. 

And similar to the 4G and 5G networks, in areas with little to no existing cell phone coverage, there is reduced opportunity for fixed-wireless networks. 

Given the options for bringing broadband to rural America, the average urbanite might think it’s simple to achieve. But as any rural resident can tell you, it’s a little more complicated.

Broadband Internet Infrastructure Options for Rural Areas

While demand for high-speed internet is high, there is no single “right” answer for bringing that connectivity to rural communities. 

Not all communities, for example, have a POTS that they can modify to provide Internet connectivity. A satellite or 5G option would be more effective in that case. 

Ultimately, the answer to how to bring high-speed Internet to rural America will be multifaceted, using all infrastructure deployment methods.

In an effort to share stories of success nationwide, and given the unique solutions each community will need to deploy to provide their residents with broadband internet, we invite you to share your experience by leaving a comment here or starting a conversation on Twitter (@RuralRISE).

Written by RuralRISE Tech · Categorized: Rural Broadband · Tagged: broadband internet, Rural Infrastructure

Aug 23 2022

Federal Programs Provide Pathways to Affordable Broadband

If you were raised in the 1980s or earlier, chances are you grew up analog. But fast forward into the 21st century, and the Internet has become a necessity. Sadly, not everyone has equal access to this needed service.

The good news? With modern daily life relying on the Internet, the federal government has created pathways to promote access to affordable Internet for individuals, communities, and businesses.

The process involves modernizing legislation around broadband provisions – such as the recent executive order promoting competition in the broadband sector – and proposing new bills to establish broadband affordability. 

These efforts have yielded many federal programs that provide pathways to users looking to improve their connectivity or reduce the cost of their Internet access. Some pathways are even targeted to specific groups like Indigenous communities and rural hubs like libraries and schools. 

Let’s look at why these efforts are essential.

Accessing Online Resources Isn’t Optional

The White House acknowledges that access to high-speed internet is no longer considered a luxury but is a crucial resource for our daily lives. 

However, the current broadband landscape shows noticeable gaps in accessibility across America. While many factors contribute – like age, socioeconomic status, and race – these gaps are especially pronounced between rural and urban areas.

Broadband infrastructure was historically deployed across more accessible, affluent, and densely populated communities. Unfortunately, this often neglects low-income, minority, and rural communities. 

Of the 25 million Americans that lack broadband access, 19 million live in rural areas. Survey data from the Pew Research Center reports that 58% of adults in rural areas have a high-speed broadband connection at home, as opposed to 67% in urban areas and 70% in suburban areas.

This gap between people who have access to broadband services (and know how to use them) and those who do not have such access or knowledge is called the “digital divide.” Minimizing this divide is critical to the success of individuals, businesses, and our nation as a whole.

To help begin to bridge this divide this article will describe the current major pathways users can choose when seeking to improve or initiate affordable rural Internet access in their community.

Federal Programs and Points of Access

Many federal programs work to equip and assist public institutions with acquiring needed Internet services rather than focusing on individual users. 

This trickle-down tactic has its pitfalls for everyday users of the Internet. Because the cost of installing broadband has historically been high, individuals have gone without this resource in their homes.

Federal agencies that provide funding to support broadband access include the:

  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and 
  • National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). 

The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) has identified 133 current funding programs within these agencies to support broadband access. 

However, many of these programs are designed for organizations to deploy broadband, so they do not directly serve individuals. These varied access points create an unclear set of directions for providers, and the GAO has called for a strategy to coordinate these programs and reduce confusion.

Before we move on, let’s examine three programs and pieces of legislation.

Federal Programs for Affordable Broadband

One early federal program that has worked to assist public institutions with broadband infrastructure is the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) E-Rate program. It was established in 1996 to make services more affordable for schools and libraries by providing discounts for telecommunications, Internet access, and internal connections. 

This program has been impactful but left gaps in provisions since broadband infrastructure has moved well beyond the confines of schools and libraries.

The recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) was signed into law in November 2021. This law aims to address many infrastructure issues faced by the current U.S. infrastructure landscape, including broadband accessibility. 

It has laid the groundwork for significant advancements in broadband provisions and accessibility, including ease of infrastructure installation for businesses and reducing costs for individual users. 

The FCC launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) just after the BIL was signed into law. This program assists individuals in a way other funding programs do not. 

The ACP is a legislative solution to broadband affordability that assists families and households who struggle to afford Internet service. It includes broadband discounts to eligible individuals and households.

Next, we’ll look at what’s being done to make things easier for end users.

The ACP and Ease of Use

The goal of the ACP is to simplify entry into federal programs that support Internet installment. Following are a few examples of how this new legislation will help.

Responsibility for contacting eligible households has been placed onto the federal agencies already providing financial assistance to Americans (e.g., Pell Grants, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, SNAP, and Free and Reduced-Price School Lunches).

The presidential administration is partnering with states and cities to spread the word through state avenues of communication such as text alerts, flyers, and email newsletters.

Public interest organizations will conduct direct enrollment and outreach because organizations like United Way and Goodwill (among others) have significant user bases that can benefit from these new programs. 

The government has also established easy-to-use websites to streamline applications:

  1. GetInternet.gov details how Americans can sign up for the ACP and find participating Internet providers in their area.
  2. Affordableconnectivity.gov takes users to the program homepage.

Next, let’s move the conversation to how these federal programs impact historically marginalized communities.

Broadband and Indigenous Communities 

Notably, the BIL shows a commitment to providing broadband access to Tribal territories and Indigenous communities. 

In 2019, the American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) found that 18% of Tribal reservation residents have no Internet access at all, and 33% rely only on smartphones for Internet service.

Regrettably, this solution pales in efficacy compared to other Internet access methods.

To correct this particular digital divide, the BIL has created $13 billion in funding to support general infrastructure in Tribal communities, with specific programs promoting affordable, high-speed Internet: 

  • The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program will distribute grants to be used for the expansion of access to and adoption of broadband services on tribal land or remote learning, telework, or telehealth resources. 
  • Additional grant programs for Tribal territories include the State Digital Equity Planning Grant, the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant, and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant. 
  • Tribal governments are encouraged to consider cybersecurity when deploying broadband infrastructure. The BIL has set aside $30 million through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Programs specifically for Tribal governments to use for cybersecurity efforts.

Visit the ACP’s “Enhanced Tribal Benefit” website to learn more about qualifying for broadband resources through this program.

So what’s next for rural residents?

Next Steps in the Search for Affordable Rural Broadband

The Internet has not only become a resource for enrichment; it is also growing as a tool to provide resources such as healthcare, education, security, and more. 

State and federal resources are also offered and managed through broadband Internet. For example, the ease with which everyday Americans can email the White House, contact their Senator or House Representative, or research ballots in upcoming elections is directly tied to access to the Internet. 

When broadband is affordable and accessible, the resources available through it will increase in use and impact society. Therefore, we believe affordable broadband is imperative for the success of individuals, businesses, and our nation

Written by RuralRISE Tech · Categorized: Rural Broadband · Tagged: broadband internet, Rural Infrastructure

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