Broadband Funding: ‘It’s Like History Repeating Itself in a Good Way’

A new federal infusion of broadband funding could spark a variety of effective responses for getting more New Englanders connected via high-speed internet. Sean Gonsalves at the Institute for Local Self Reliance (ILSR) Community Broadband Networks Initiative likened the recent federal infusion of broadband funds to rural electrification in the 1900s. “It’s like history repeating itself in a good way,” Gonsalves said. In 2021 (which Gonsalves calls “a banner year for broadband”), the American Rescue Act Plan provided $350 billion for water, sewer, and broadband with another $10 billion earmarked primarily for broadband via the Capital Funds Project. In the fall, an additional $65 billion was allocated as part of the new infrastructure bill. In rural parts of New England, where many are unserved or underserved by monopoly providers, a variety of broadband models have taken shape even before now. Many more are predicted to gain momentum with this latest financial boost.