Tech
Rural Internet Expansion At Risk With Stalled Infrastructure Bill
![Rural Internet Expansion At Risk With Stalled Infrastructure Bill](https://lemonyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Rural-Internet-Expansion-At-Risk-With-Stalled-Infrastructure-Bill.jpg)
The $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill is considered by many to be the most significant effort to close the digital divide. But as the bill stalls and negotiations continue, these promising measures may be at risk.
Table of Contents
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a multitrillion-dollar stimulus package that includes efforts to close the digital divide in rural America. But it extends far beyond that as well and includes measures for child care, developing and maintaining roads, water and sewer infrastructure and so forth. But as far as the digital divide goes, there has never been an attempt to correct it quite like this one.
The Digital Divide and Rural America
The digital divide in the U.S. is not exclusive to rural America. Urban America has its share of problems as well. However, a strong argument has been made that the rural problems are more pressing. Economists warn that the rural workforce is falling behind and that it could cost the U.S. economy as much as $50 billion a year through 2050. America is also facing a shortage of tech workers, and economists believe that rural broadband investment could be the difference in overcoming it.
Broadband Investment
Expanding broadband internet access in rural America is expensive, and private companies have lacked motivation because the profit potential is not great. Of course, that is a bit of a chicken-and-egg scenario since increased satellite internet access would make those areas more attractive to small to mid-sized tech companies. At any rate, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act earmarks $65 billion specifically to expand broadband infrastructure. That alone may not be enough, but it is a big step forward.
Democrats at Odds
Democrats are at odds for various reasons. Some moderate democrats believe the overall cost of the package is too high, and they want some compromise in reducing it. But there are also progressive democrats who are threatening to sink the bill if what some have coined the human infrastructure element is removed. This includes funds for affordable housing, community college, child care, universal pre-K, paid leave, Medicare expansion, and climate change measures.
Once in a Generation
Broadband experts have called the bill a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close the divide. But some feel as if the writing is on the wall. A concession will likely have to be made somewhere, and this would not be the first time that efforts to close the digital divide have been sacrificed for compromise.
Where the Funding Will Go
If the legislature is passed with the broadband investment in place, $42 billion will be distributed to private companies, municipal entities and partnerships in order to deploy broadband in areas where it is not yet available. There will also be $14.2 billion used to create a permanent subsidy for low-income Americans—in urban areas too—that will provide $30 a month. Additional monies will be spent on educating internet users and stopping internet service providers from avoiding low-income areas.
Political Game of Chicken
Build Back Better has little political support among Republicans, and therefore, it is at great risk as progressive and moderates square off. Some are bullish that it will eventually get done. But passing the bill becomes more difficult as time passes and could face additional challenges in a midterm election year. Failure to reach an agreement could result in a scenario that is bad for everyone.
![](https://lemonyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo-e1586838286342.png)
-
Business3 years ago
How to Do Long-Distance Moves with Children
-
Travel2 years ago
Quick Guide: Moving To Santa Rosa?
-
Business3 years ago
Is Guest Posting a Good Inbound Marketing Strategy?
-
Business1 year ago
The Ultimate Guide To Thriving In Your Printing Franchise
-
Business1 year ago
Exploring The Benefits And Challenges Of Restaurant Franchising
-
Real Estate3 years ago
Why Dubai Festival City is a Great Neighbourhood for Young Learners
-
Tech3 years ago
Cyber Table That Will Change Your Life
-
Lifestyle1 year ago
Dallas’ Hidden Gems: 6 Must-Try Restaurants Off The Beaten Path!
Recent Comments