The Importance of Broadband Expansion Program
In today’s world, access to high-speed internet is no longer considered a luxury but has become a necessity for individuals and businesses alike. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of broadband as remote work and learning have become the new norm. However, not everyone has equal access to reliable and fast internet.
President Joe Biden’s $42.5 billion program to expand broadband aims to bring high-speed internet to all Americans, especially those in rural areas. While this program is crucial, federal lawmakers want to ensure that rural states are fully represented before deciding how much funding each state will receive under the program. As a result, senators from both parties announced legislation that would require the Biden administration to perform an additional review.
The Significance of Broadband in Rural Areas
Rural areas often have limited access to broadband, which affects local businesses’ growth and farmers’ productivity. However, the importance of broadband expansion goes beyond that. Reliable and fast internet is necessary for telemedicine, online commerce, remote learning and work, and even emergency services. The proposed expansion program can change the game for rural areas in the United States, bringing them up to speed with urban areas.
Agriculture is a significant contributor to America’s economy, and farmers require access to reliable internet services to improve their productivity. For instance, they need to have effective communication with suppliers to make timely and informed decisions on their produce. Reliable internet service also allows them to access modern farming technologies, such as precision agriculture, which use sensors to collect data to improve yields.
Another critical area that broadband helps in rural areas is healthcare. Telemedicine is significantly easier with reliable and fast internet, and this can save lives. Rural areas, in particular, often suffer shortages of healthcare professionals, and telemedicine offers a practical solution. Patients can access specialist medical care without having to travel long distances to the nearest city. This approach is not only convenient but also cost-effective and time-saving. In times such as these dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic, telemedicine offers a safe way for people to get medical help.
A Comparison of Rural and Urban Broadband Services
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 30 million Americans do not have access to broadband internet in their homes, and approximately 14.5 million of them live in rural areas. However, the quality and reliability of broadband can vary significantly in rural areas compared to urban areas. For instance, urban areas have access to multiple internet service providers (ISPs), which translates to more affordable and faster internet speeds. Rural areas, on the other hand, often only have access to one ISP, which leads to higher prices and slower speeds.
The market forces in rural areas cannot sustain multiple ISPs. Lack of competition drives prices up, and fewer customers mean lower returns on investment for ISPs. This makes it impractical for new ISPs to invest in rural areas. The government’s involvement is necessary to facilitate the growth of broadband access in such areas.
The Economics Behind the Broadband Expansion Program
The proposed broadband expansion program is a $42.5 billion investment, which the government plans to fund with taxes from large corporations. However, some critics have raised concerns that the program may not deliver the promised returns on investment. They argue that internet service providers are private enterprises that operate with the intent of making a profit.
Proponents of the program argue that private enterprises won’t invest in rural areas, as it’s not practical for them. Therefore, the government must step in and facilitate the growth of broadband access in these areas. It’s significant to note that the government’s involvement isn’t new, and it has already committed billions of dollars to rural broadband expansion in recent years.
A Final Word
Broadband internet has become a necessity, and its lack of access can have severe implications for individuals and businesses alike. The proposed broadband expansion program is an excellent initiative that can change the game for rural areas in the United States. While federal lawmakers want to ensure that rural states are fully represented before deciding how much funding each state will receive under the program, it’s essential to note that this program’s significance goes beyond politics. It’s a question of making reliable and fast internet accessible to all Americans, regardless of their location.
