Broadband Subsidies for Community Anchor Institutions

[Commentary] Studies show community anchor institutions (CAIs) often cannot afford to purchase the broadband capacity they need to serve their communities. While the E-rate and Rural Healthcare programs have been enormously helpful, many schools, libraries, and healthcare providers still report they cannot purchase sufficient broadband because of the cost or because robust broadband networks are not available. Many other anchor institutions—such as public housing, community colleges, community centers, and other community-based organizations—do not receive federal subsidies for broadband connectivity and have even more trouble finding the resources to pay for reliable broadband. Federal, state, and local governments need to address the connectivity challenges of tomorrow by providing additional financial resources and incentives to CAIs so that they can afford to purchase broadband services that meet their needs.
[Gina Spade is the founder of Broadband Legal Strategies, a law firm specializing in universal service issues]