For Full Effect, Broadband Expansion Will Require Cooperation

Thanks largely to the federal infrastructure law and incoming funding, now is the time to develop the sorts of public-private partnerships to grow broadband access for all residents and businesses, experts contend. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. It’s probably a once-in-a-century moment. This is the moment in which we will solve many of our broadband problems, as a nation,” said Joanne Hovis, president of CTC Technology & Energy [andBenton Institute for Broadband & Society Board Member]. Collaborations between the public and private sectors can take many forms. In some cases, the public sector’s support is needed to make the “business case” for a telecom or broadband provider to introduce or expand service into a particular area. Public grants can help to bridge the divide. “What’s so remarkable about the current moment, I think, is that there’s a far broader range of companies engaged in seeking collaboration opportunities with state and local government, and tribal government, than has ever been the case in the past,” Hovis added.