Three States, Their Local Communities, and Broadband Funding Denied

In many states, elected officials are listening to constituents and experts who tell them that they need fast, affordable, reliable connectivity to keep their communities from dwindling. States that refuse funding to public entities, however, block out some of the best opportunities to connect people and businesses in rural areas. In places such as Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia, states need to trust their own people to develop necessary broadband networks. When states such as TN, VA, and MI purposely deny local governments the right to bring better connectivity to their residents and businesses, they interfere with local matters. 

The Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect Program) through the US Department of Agriculture, makes $600 million available in a combination of grants and loans for rural broadband. In addition to traditional Internet access providers, co-ops, and other traditional broadband providers, tribes, states, local governments and other public entities can apply for funding.  If the federal agency recognizes the intuitive vision of local communities, states need to follow suit.