Municipal Broadband: Using Today’s Technology to Support Communities’ Futures

As the pandemic continues for a third year, addressing the digital divide is critical for local governments and communities to prosper. The solution is fiber and wireless broadband investment and ownership by municipalities, utilities, electrical co-ops, and Tribal governments. With access to fiber broadband, everyone from residents and tourists to government entities can benefit from telework, access online education, offer and access online services, use telehealth, take advantage of economic opportunities and stay connected. Municipal broadband keeps taxpayer money local, promotes future-proof infrastructure by creating the flexibility to deliver additional services and keep up with customer demand, reduces the cost of internet to residents and businesses, and creates faster internet speeds with greater bandwidth and simultaneous upload and download speeds. Establishing a municipal fiber internet infrastructure is no small feat. Still, the federal government has passed several acts that offer local governments funding, including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the American Rescue Plan Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Through these, local governments can access competitive grants for broadband infrastructure; adoption and deployment; and data, maps and plans. Grant monies are prioritized for unserved and underserved areas; anchor institutions such as schools, universities, libraries, medical providers and public safety entities; and other community support organizations and agencies.

[John Honker is the president and CEO of Magellan Advisors.]