Multiple Barriers Can Hinder Rural Broadband Deployment

Research indicates that people living in rural areas struggle to obtain broadband connections mainly because of the low density of housing. Fewer people living in a community, especially over large swaths of land, translates into higher costs to build and maintain the most common broadband technologies. This white paper on the rural broadband industry was researched and written by Doug Dawson, President of CCG Consulting, a telecommunications consulting firm that works with rural communities and providers. In the report, Dawson describes the providers serving the rural broadband market, the challenges they face, and how high-speed networks are funded in rural areas. He also explores federal and state efforts to support rural broadband expansion, including funding, programs, and legislation that help defray the costs associated with deployment.