Stimulus Funds Bolster Broadband Equity in Vermont and Virginia

Billions of federal dollars for broadband came with the stipulation that they benefit underserved populations. New projects that link last-mile access with affordability are paving the way for universal Internet service. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) included hundreds of billions of dollars for which broadband infrastructure was among the allowed uses. Infrastructure is not the only issue for those on the wrong side of the digital divide, however. Many who might have providers in their area cannot afford home service. In the months since ARP funds were approved, jurisdictions have embarked on projects to address both needs. “While state broadband grant programs have historically focused on expanding ‘last mile’ access in unserved areas, recent new federal spending — coupled with the flexibility with which those funds may be spent — have allowed states to address other aspects of the challenge of universal broadband, like making access affordable,” says Anna Read, a senior officer on the Broadband Access Initiative at The Pew Charitable Trusts. “This opportunity has led to some new and creative projects.” In Virginia, this includes providing free public Wi-Fi and developing municipal broadband networks. In Vermont, state officials have taken their own approach by establishing broadband cooperatives based on electric co-ops. The projects in Virginia and Vermont have been energized by stimulus funds, but they share a recognition that in this age, access is sufficiently important to deserve whatever support might be needed to sustain it over the long run.