The digital divide leaves rural students behind, innovation can change that

Since its founding in 1907, the National Rural Education Association (NREA) has advocated for policies to improve the quality of education in rural communities. There are few issues today that are more critical to that mission than expanding broadband connectivity in rural America. It is critical our policymakers in Washington act. NREA is part of a coalition that works to raise awareness and build support behind a mixed-technology approach to eliminating the rural broadband gap. Connect Americans Now (CAN) is a coalition as an actionable plan to close the digital divide over the next five years with an all-of-the-above approach, leveraging innovative solutions like TV white space (TVWS) technology. TVWS technology is already deployed in networks nationwide on the front lines of tackling the digital divide. CAN is asking the Federal Communications Commission to issue a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to clear the remaining regulatory hurdles to unleashing the full potential of TVWS. By taking up this rulemaking procedure and supporting innovation, the FCC can help completely eliminate the digital divide and bring connectivity to those kids in rural areas who desperately need it.

[Dr. Allen Pratt is the executive director of the National Rural Education Association]