Rethinking rural broadband

Typical of the bureaucratic nature of the federal government, rural broadband investments remain with traditional infrastructure, such as fiber-optic, cable modem, and DSL. While these technologies are important and economically viable in dense urban areas, we must recognize that new technologies are now available that will bring down costs and actually achieve the goal of total connectivity across the US. To address our challenges, a combination of traditional broadband infrastructure and satellite broadband technology is a more practical approach to ensure internet access for all Americans now and in the future. Several companies in the United States have already deployed thousands of satellites to provide broadband services, with increasing reliability and access expected in the coming years. Rather than trying to lay cable to the last house, let’s open the aperture of how to achieve rural connectivity by allowing satellite providers to compete. This would achieve the goal of finally providing adequate internet service to underserved areas while bringing the costs down dramatically. By embracing this opportunity, we can improve access to the internet, empower individuals and communities, promote economic development, and solidify our leadership in the global technological landscape.