As September approaches, let’s pause to extend a heartfelt “Happy Labor Day” to the American workforce in honor of their social and economic achievements.
Among those deserving of celebration: The millions of American workers who maintain and expand the infrastructure that keeps us online and connected.
Connecting America, Creating Jobs
Currently, across the United States, cable broadband providers are on a mission to expand connectivity to homes and businesses that have never been online.
A skilled and dedicated workforce is at the helm to get the job done right, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.
By the numbers: As the nation’s largest residential broadband provider, cable operators – and their growing workforce of 3 million – have a lot to celebrate this Labor Day:
- Since 2002, the industry has generated a remarkable 1.2 million jobs, contributing significantly to the American job market.
- Nearly half, or 44%, of those working in the industry are people of color, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
- With the next generation of broadband on the horizon, an additional 676,000 jobs are expected by 2027.
From construction crews laying the physical groundwork to engineers maintaining network infrastructure, the cable workforce is prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Building the Future of Connectivity
A rare opportunity is just around the corner – to close our country’s digital divide.
The 2021 bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivers a historic $42.45 billion in federal funding to help all 50 states achieve a fully connected America.
To get the job done right: States will soon look to partner with internet service providers – and the cable industry should be at the top of the list, given that their workforce checks off all the boxes.
✓ Expertise – Throughout COVID-19, the ultimate stress test, the cable industry worked tirelessly to ensure broadband networks kept us all connected, even during times of record-high internet usage.
✓ Resources – Over the last two decades, cable providers have invested an impressive $310 billion in broadband infrastructure that is built and maintained by their hard-working and dedicated workforce.
✓ Technology – With the next generation of broadband underway, the workforce being trained today will ensure that high-tech, fiber-rich networks thrive for generations to come.
Dig deeper: Along with partnering with experienced internet service providers, each state must take a few other steps to close America’s digital divide successfully – see here.
Happy Labor Day to the dedicated people who keep America connected and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation. Working together, we can ensure that the benefits of connectivity reach every corner of the country.
Join #ConnectivityCounts to ensure that state leaders are successful at closing America’s digital divide.
