As the pandemic COVID-19 forced the migration of public education and areas of online commerce, it also highlighted the digital divide between those who have and do not have reliable high-speed internet.
Currently, about 18.3 million Americans, many in rural areas, do not have access to high-speed Internet. The Federal Communications Commission estimates that 650,000 people in South Carolina do not have access to broadband internet, including more than 552,000 who live in rural areas.
According to BroadbandNow, the state of Palmetto ranks 31st in the country in terms of broadband access. Having high-quality, affordable broadband unlocks access to remote and improved education, commerce, teleworking, telehealth, community resources and more.
Infusions of capital – such as the FCC’s recent $ 155 million allocation to expand broadband access in South Carolina over the next 10 years – will certainly help. In addition, free Internet access points and programs such as Western Governors University scholarships for online access, which cover the cost of installation and Internet access, can benefit selected families and students. However, a broader and more coordinated effort is needed.
Recognizing the multiple benefits of connectivity, governors across the country are implementing a range of policies and solutions to expand access and increase accessibility. The National Governors Association recently launched a white paper entitled “Governor Strategies to Expand Affordable Broadband Access”, which recommends nine main strategies and best practices.
Establish robust and cross-cutting governance structures: Each state governs, creates or communicates broadband policy through an office dedicated to broadband or staff assigned to other agencies. The Office of Regulatory Officials in South Carolina was tasked with providing Internet connections to needy residents during the pandemic.
Initiate partnerships with other state agencies, local and municipal governments and other entities to boost broadband investments: Governors and state broadband leaders can use concession programs and partnerships with state agencies, anchor institutions, the private sector, local government, educators and community organizations to connect their states and leverage relationships, resources and experience to overcome obstacles.
Leverage anchor institutions to provide fast Internet service to the community: Historically, community anchor institutions, such as schools, libraries, medical facilities and government buildings, have served as essential connecting points for the development of last mile fiber for communities. The South Carolina Department of Education purchased additional mobile hotspots, deployed hundreds of school buses equipped with Internet for communities, and instructed school districts to identify students who do not have access, including providing Internet access to 100,000 families below federal poverty line.
Take advantage of existing infrastructure projects with unique excavation coordination: States reduced the costs of deploying broadband infrastructure, improving the coordination and coordination of agencies with stakeholders in the planning, construction and maintenance of infrastructure assets. This “dig once” strategy takes advantage of the existing construction or repair of roads or water pipes to simultaneously install conduits or pass fiber at a lower cost.
Take advantage of the electricity utilities’ infrastructure and services to facilitate the deployment of broadband networks: Governors can work with broadband service providers and utilities, including investor-owned concessionaires and rural electricity cooperatives, through public-private partnerships and concession programs to extend broadband coverage using existing infrastructure backbones and rights of way, leasing capacity for other suppliers and reaching unattended rural cooperative customer bases. Last September, South Carolina lawmakers passed legislation allowing electric cooperatives to rent space on existing power poles to broadband providers.
Coordinate and expand broadband accessibility programs: In addition to monthly service charges, factors that contribute to broadband Internet accessibility may also include contract duration, activation or installation fees, and equipment costs. Many Internet service providers have enacted new or improved low-cost service options for low-income families, the recently unemployed, or essential workers.
Dimplement innovative acquisition strategies: States are interested in shortening the purchasing process, building partnerships with suppliers and keeping costs low. Strategies to streamline procurement processes may include cooperative purchases, umbrella contracts and bulk purchase agreements.
Improve broadband data and coverage maps: Collecting data on current broadband availability and service speeds is critical to prioritizing expansion efforts. This data is currently collected and mapped by the FCC, but the agency recognizes that the data it collects twice a year is imperfect. To create a more accurate representation of the level of broadband service provided, states have developed alternative mapping strategies that provide more granular data.
Identify sources of financing and financing for broadband deployment: Many states have dedicated state funding mechanisms to deal with the expansion of intermediate and ultimate broadband. They are often complemented by federal programs that offer subsidies to states, municipalities and other entities to accelerate the deployment of broadband. South Carolina has allocated $ 50 million in funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Aid and Economic Security Act for broadband expansion.
The main strategies and best practices presented in the NGA white paper constitute a valid plan to expand broadband access at affordable prices. To read the full white paper, visit www.nga.org/center/publications/expand-affordable-broadband.
Kimberly Estep is Vice President, Southeast Region, Western Governors University.