Understanding the Broadband Dilemma

The pandemic has illuminated the growing disparities in broadband access, particularly in rural areas. My personal experience began when I transitioned from bustling Boston to a quieter rural community, where reliable internet was not a priority until it became a necessity.

I had not previously given much thought to internet connectivity until I relocated, but it quickly became a significant source of frustration.

The Allure of Rural Living

In March 2020, as the pandemic loomed, my focus shifted. A mere six months prior, while searching for a new home, my primary concern was not internet speed but rather the serene beauty of Vermont and its relaxed lifestyle. The contrast with the hectic urban environment of Boston was refreshing.

With the oppressive traffic and constant roadwork in Boston, I was eager to escape. The thought of leaving behind my cramped apartment, where I paid a premium for proximity to public transport, was liberating. I realized that with part-time remote work, I could hold meetings from a home with picturesque views instead.

The Importance of Connectivity in Home Selection

Good internet and cell service became essential factors in my home search. Little did I know how critical they would prove to be shortly thereafter.

Finding a property with both reliable broadband and cell service turned out to be a daunting task. Despite numerous options within my budget, many were eliminated based on provider availability and maximum broadband speeds. Others fell by the wayside after testing cell reception on-site.

When I eventually chose my current home, I naively assumed I would have multiple fast broadband options, guided by a state-maintained service availability map.

Limited Choices: The Reality of Broadband Access

Unfortunately, legislative barriers restricted competition, leaving me with one primary provider: Comcast. The alternative was a shaky 25 Mbps service from the local phone company or a similar offering from a satellite provider.

It's generally accepted that 25 Mbps fails to meet the broadband needs of most Americans. Ironically, had I chosen a home just a few miles away, I'd have access to 10 Gbps service at competitive rates.

Instead, my sole real option is Xfinity. While 150 Mbps over coaxial cable is impressive, it comes at a cost far above what I previously paid for 300 Mbps of FiOS in my old apartment. Although Comcast advertises up to 1 Gbps in some areas, rural regions are often overlooked.

I consider myself fortunate to afford Xfinity's rates. Many of my neighbors, who have been unemployed since last March, face a different reality. While rent may be temporarily deferred, paying for cable service is not, and some have opted to cancel their subscriptions—remarkable in a place where over-the-air TV signals are nearly nonexistent.

Instead, many rely on mobile subscriptions and hotspots, illustrating the dire state of broadband access in the U.S. today.

The Consequences of Broadband Neglect

Since 2009, the U.S. had a prime opportunity to establish high-speed broadband networks across all states. However, political strife, corporate influence, and corruption have hampered the National Broadband Plan—an initiative that was not even overly ambitious. Today, the FCC still lacks an accurate map of broadband availability.

Rural communities are suffering the consequences of this poorly executed broadband strategy. The situation in 2009 was dire, and twelve years later, it remains inadequate.

While some may argue against government involvement in broadband expansion, it's worth noting that certain utilities, like electricity and water, have benefited from regulation. Nearly a century ago, the Roosevelt administration recognized the value of these services for economic growth and public health.

The past 25 years presented ample opportunities to create world-class broadband infrastructure, yet the U.S. has fallen behind. Countries like Liechtenstein now have faster fixed broadband services than we do.

In light of the pandemic, the reality of broadband access is stark. Outside the still-closed town library, cars line the curb as people utilize its Wi-Fi, which has been left on since last March. Many children have been unable to access online learning, leading the local school district to abandon remote education altogether.

The Need for Investment

This situation was preventable. The failures of our infrastructure extend beyond politics; they reflect a societal shift towards short-term profit rather than long-term investment in education, health, and vital infrastructure, including broadband.

The pandemic has highlighted our collective shortcomings. It’s not merely a health crisis; it’s a failure to prioritize investments that foster sustainable growth.

The Importance of Reliable Broadband

As winter deepened, I joined a Zoom call for a friend's birthday, only to see one participant silhouetted in his truck's light.

“My internet can’t handle Zoom, even with the video turned off,” he explained, shivering in the cold. “I had to drive up to the top of the mountain for a signal.”

This issue extends beyond students struggling to complete assignments. It impacts emergency services, job opportunities, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Addressing the broadband gap is not just a contemporary need; it is essential for the next century.

Video Insights on Broadband Issues

The following videos provide further insights into the broadband challenges facing rural America and the efforts to bridge this digital divide.

A compilation of remarks from governors addressing the state of broadband and its impact on communities.

An overview of Tennessee's federal funding initiative aimed at closing the broadband gap in rural areas.