A dangerous side of America’s digital divide: Who receives emergency alerts

While America’s digital divide has been improving, large chunks of the country, especially rural and tribal lands, are still lagging behind in connection, according to research and experts, and that significantly hampers their access to vital, potentially lifesaving information. Without cell towers, urgent emergency alerts can’t get to phones and it is more difficult for residents to warn one another of danger or contact authorities. It’s a tough sell to get private companies to spend the time and money to build towers in rural areas, according to reports and experts. However, the federal government has launched several initiatives to help improve access to reliable services and spur investment. In 2020, the Federal Communications Commission created the 5G Fund for Rural America, a $9 billion program aimed at bringing broadband service to underserved areas.