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  2. July 2021

July 2021

Montana prepping for burst of broadband expansion with federal dollars

As broad swaths of Montana still have substandard high-speed Internet or cell-phone service–or, none at all–the Gianforte administration is launching a federally funded $275 million-plus effort to improve that picture. The money is from the American Rescue Plan Act, passed by Congress this March, without a single Republican vote. But Republican leaders in Montana, with bipartisan support, have set up the nine-member Communications Advisory Commission that could start approving projects later this year.

Minnesota lawmakers agree to spend $70 million on improving broadband access

In response to the lack of adequate broadband in parts of the Minnesota, especially rural areas, legislators agreed to spend $70 million on a state grant program that aims to build high-speed internet infrastructure across the state.

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Directive to Expand High-Speed Internet Access

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Directive 2021-02 to help bridge the digital divide by establishing the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) to make high-speed internet more affordable and accessible.

Maine lawmakers approve new broadband agency

Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the creation of a new public authority to coordinate investing tens of millions of dollars in federal funding for broadband infrastructure in Maine. Both houses of the Legislature passed L.D. 1484, establishing the Maine Connectivity Authority with a mandate to expand universal high-speed internet access and telecommunications infrastructure across the state.

Oklahoma state lawmakers earmark $42 million for rural broadband

State lawmakers are prioritizing expanding broadband in rural parts of Oklahoma. As part of a larger push to increase broadband access, the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes $42 million in tax rebates for companies to expand broadband in unserved or underserved rural areas.

Tribal communities in Colorado may gain better broadband access with new bill

Colorado's official broadband map does not paint an accurate picture of internet access for Tribal communities according to leaders.

The Problem(s) of Broadband in America

A common misunderstanding of exactly where the digital divide is located has led to faulty assumptions about where investments need to be made, as if broadband access is a challenge confined primarily in rural America. The actual shape of the problem is different than many elected officials realize; a lack of fast, reliable, and affordable broadband is also a major problem in urban and suburban America. America’s connectivity crisis—created by uncompetitive market conditions—is actually a three-fold challenge: access, affordability and adoption.

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