States Aligning to Federal Broadband Access Standards, but Barriers Remain

A Q&A with Cornell University’s Natassia Bravo and Mildred Warner, Ph.D. Americans’ increasing need for high-speed, reliable internet access has sharpened the digital divide between those who have broadband service and those who do not, and it has driven billions of dollars in federal and state investments. Although state broadband programs have successfully narrowed the divide, questions remain about the effects of state-funded programs, particularly about equity in new connections and funding targets. Bravo and Prof Warner, working in partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts, examined broadband grants across 17 states from 2014 to 2020 to help policymakers understand the impact of state funding and offer lessons for upcoming federally funded programs. Warner said, "Overall, our analysis suggests that our country needs a broader approach to broadband access and digital equity, which we hope BEAD can work toward addressing."