I want to focus on one critical aspect of moving through and forward from this difficult time: bringing high-quality, affordable broadband into every home—something that’s at the heart of so many of the economic development priorities you are exploring during 2021’s conference. We can no longer defer the hard work on digital equity and believe that a future group and time will solve this issue.
The Federal Communications Commission recently concluded the controversial Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auctions, kicking off its plan to disperse $9 billion to service providers over the next 10 years. Former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai called the auction “the single largest step ever taken to bridge the digital divide,” but other broadband advocates are not so optimistic. The SHLB Coalition, for example, is troubled that funding recipients aren't required to serve schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and other anchor institutions.
© 1994-2026 Benton Institute for Broadband & Society. All Rights Reserved.
