December 2024

A Broadband Affordability Benefit to Connect the Unconnected

A new permanent broadband affordability benefit focused on unconnected households and funded by repurposing the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Programs as they expire can close the digital divide. 

The case for investing in improved digital connectivity in Harlan County

Digital connectivity is becoming more vital in driving economic growth, attracting inward investment, creating jobs and improving outcomes for people and communities. Improving availability and access to improved broadband is important for many of the key sectors within Harlan County and plays a crucial role in attracting inward investment to the area:

Undersea Surgeons

For most people, the internet may be indispensable, but they take it for granted. Though it is sometimes described as the world’s biggest machine, few spare a thought for its physical core: the vast networks of cables spun across sea floors and continents, the cities of energy-hungry servers speeding along data. Until there is a problem. Any number of things can knock an undersea cable out of service. Landslides can do it. So can a ship dragging its anchor. There may be unintended damage from military skirmishes. And then there is sabotage, a growing concern.