Matt Passalacqua’s Post

If we want to strengthen the nation and our economy, it starts with providing access to safer, healthier, and connected communities. That starts with middle mile infrastructure that connects into underserved and excluded communities. California is enabling #digitalinclusion by building its own public network with the help of its partners, to provide affordable broadband to all. Read the latest here:

While reading an economic development report today at work, I was stunned by a statistic that I had to share. Approximately 17% of Americans in rural areas and 21% of those in Tribal lands lack access to fixed broadband with download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps. In contrast, only 1% of Americans in urban areas face this challenge. This digital divide continues to hold back communities from essential opportunities. (See page 19 for details.) #DigitalDivide #RuralDevelopment #TribalNations #BroadbandAccess #EconomicDevelopment #TechEquity #DigitalInclusion #Infrastructure #Connectivity #RuralInnovation https://lnkd.in/gYEKrqKm

We learned from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance that there are now roughly 450 municipal broadband networks in the U.S. - a record high. But there is still way more work to be done - as evidenced by the current roadblocks municipal broadband faces in 16 states: https://lnkd.in/g9wUX-4b

With the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program, states are considering how to make internet access affordable for low-income households while balancing broadband companies' need to make a profit. Congress’ decision to end the ACP comes at a critical time. States are seeking approval of their plans for BEAD funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, including deciding how much to limit what companies receiving the funds will be allowed to charge low-income people. Vermont officials, for instance, are planning to allow internet service providers to charge users up to $45 a month, which will help cover the costs of maintaining operations in rural areas where there are fewer customers. https://buff.ly/49iT7AC

According to a recent report by Blue Sky Net, the broadband project completion rate in Northern Ontario is a mere 8.9%, while the rest of Ontario boasts a 42% completion rate1. This digital divide is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where the cost of developing fixed networks poses challenges for Internet Service Providers. As a partner in the business committed to bridging this gap, let’s work together to ensure that every household in Northern Ontario has access to high-quality internet. https://lnkd.in/gfuTMpYR #Broadband #Connectivity #DigitalDivide #NorthernOntario #InternetAccess

When it comes to enjoying the benefits of broadband in the U.K., urban residents often fare better than those in more rural locations. Not only are more urban areas connected to full fiber broadband, but they are also likely to be served by multiple providers. This is usually not the case in rural communities, because rural villages and towns are often more difficult to connect—and therefore more costly for providers.

Certainly more investment in rural broadband is needed, because having access to it is a critical competitive edge for all.

Expanding WISP services plays a pivotal role in improving internet access for communities across urban and rural areas alike. Our latest blog breaks down six strategies for successful service expansion – read it here: https://hubs.li/Q02D4lDy0 #WISP #wirelessinternet #fixedwireless #BeyondReach

Connecting rural America is an ambitious goal that requires getting them the best possible broadband service that will last for years, not what's "good enough" for today. The last mile to the home is the first mile to opportunity.