Broadband Proved a Top Priority for State Policymakers in 2020

In 2020, states committed to significant funding to expand access to broadband services, even amid an economic recession. The COVID-19 pandemic—and the necessity to move routine activities such as schooling and doctors’ visits online to maintain social distancing—sharpened the focus of governors and lawmakers in 2020 on the need to close the digital divide. States continued to establish programs to oversee broadband development and expand the types of entities that could engage in broadband deployment projects. In addition, many states decisively deployed federal pandemic-relief dollars to address short- and long-term connectivity needs. As of May 2021, state leaders continue on this path. States are taking aggressive action to meet connectivity goals. Policymakers are investing significant resources, passing laws, and establishing policy frameworks. This focus—which was growing before the pandemic—underscores why it is so critical for states to have a defined role in any federal broadband effort. Clearly setting that role would allow for greater coordination between levels of government. That would better ensure effective stewardship of public funds and help the nation more quickly achieve universal availability of high-speed, affordable broadband.