Recognizing the critical need for broadband to bridge the digital divide

For urban and rural communities, the digital divide is more than just the lack of access to high-speed internet — it’s a disconnect from economic and social ties as well as opportunities in a fast-changing society. Roberto Gallardo, Purdue University’s vice president for engagement, has spent the past decade analyzing local and regional community economic development, including the use of technology. He notes that the U.S. government’s plans to invest $42.5 billion in the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program will help narrow this divide by ensuring a growing number of Americans can connect to fast internet, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. “The federal program recognizes that in today’s interconnected world, high-speed internet access is not a luxury; it’s a necessity,” said Gallardo, who was named in October 2023 to lead the newly formed Purdue Broadband Team. “It is an essential component to workforce training and regional development, helping rural communities to thrive.”