Corporations join push for rural broadband

While federal and state broadband investments surge and fade, there is one supporter is carrying the banner for rural interconnectivity. Leadership at the farmer-owned co-op Land O’Lakes has voiced concern about the digital divide for several years. More than a year ago, it started the American Connection Project (ACP), which encompasses a three-point mission: lobbying for interconnectivity, providing free Wi-Fi in rural areas and training young adults to help rural communities navigate broadband implementation and stimulate economic development. ACP’s policy coalition now has more than 150 companies and organizations on board to advocate nationally for $80 billion over the next five years for border-to-border broadband. Additionally, the ACP's American Connection Corps is providing two-year fellowships for 53 young professionals in 12 states to expand digital literacy and work on coordinating local, state and federal resources for broadband access.