How to Bridge the Broadband Gap: A Conversation with State Leaders
New research identifies promising practices for expanding access to high-speed, reliable internet
Though access to high-speed, reliable internet is an increasingly critical tool for modern American life, the Federal Communications Commission estimates that at least 21 million Americans still lack broadband access. Other counts suggest this number could be as high as 162 million. Although much of the conversation about expanding broadband access has focused on the federal and local levels, states are taking decisive steps to expand this critical service to communities that lack it or are underserved.
State leaders have recognized that broadband is not just a technology, but a key asset that will shape other policy priorities: access to health care, economic development, and distance-learning programs, among others. On Feb. 11, The Pew Charitable Trusts hosted a day-long event unveiling state practices in five categories that are proving effective for expanding broadband:
- stakeholder engagement
- policy framework
- planning and capacity building
- funding and operations
- program evaluation and evolution
To view the entire conversation, click on the link below;