Stories

In rural states like West Virginia, broadband access is not yet available everywhere. To achieve 100% connectivity in remote areas, we must take collective action. That’s why governments and internet service providers (ISPs) continue to establish public-private partnerships that utilize federal, state, and local funding for broadband expansion across the country – producing a track record of success.

As the year comes to a close, it’s our custom to take a look back at some of the milestones accomplished in the world of broadband and cable television, and a look ahead at what the coming year might hold. 

It’s been one year since the launch of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – a federal initiative that provides free or discounted high-speed broadband to qualifying households across the country. Closing the digital divide is a national priority. The Affordable Connectivity Program – and its partnership with internet service providers (ISPs) – plays an important part in enabling millions of Americans to access the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a first draft of the new, interactive U.S. broadband map, which will be instrumental step to getting all Americans connected to high-speed internet by identifying where internet is available and where it still needs to be deployed.

It’s been one year since the signing of the bipartisan infrastructure law, earmarking $65 billion to expand broadband access. The goal? To make sure that every American has broadband.

The big story of the summer has been high inflation and rising costs—the uninvited guests that put a damper on vacation plans by making almost everything, from gas to food, more expensive. While prices for many goods and services continue to fluctuate, however, there is one essential service that has remained stable in pricing: home broadband. 

Most Americans in urban and suburban areas are accustomed to the convenience of broadband and the opportunities it provides. From distance learning and remote work to telehealth and smart homes, our lives are increasingly connected to the devices and the world around us. For some of the nation’s rural and remote regions, the distance and terrain between households and businesses are often beyond broadband’s reach. The lack of access to high-speed internet prevents efficiencies that much of the nation enjoys. These small rural communities contribute to the American economy and increasing access to high-speed internet in these hard-to-reach areas is not only linked to economic growth, but also enhanced opportunities.

A once-in-a-generation opportunity is before us: to expand broadband and deliver high-speed internet access to the communities, businesses, and families who lack access today.