The South’s Communication Infrastructure Can’t Withstand Climate Change
Much of the South’s early communications infrastructure was installed in the 1960s, expanded during the 1980s and 1990s, and is nearing the end of its life span.
By Bailey Basham
January 18, 2021
Property damage after Hurricane Zeta on Oct. 29, 2020 in Chalmette, Louisiana. Credit: Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images
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When Hurricane Zeta made landfall on the Gulf Coast in October, 2.6 million people in the Southeast U.S. were left in the dark. From the Mississippi coast to Atlanta to smaller cities like Anniston, Alabama, people waited some for days, others for upward of two weeks in living rooms and kitchens lit by candlelight for their power to return, reliant on the longevity of cellphone batteries and mobile chargers.
Column: Some good news for rural broadband
Trump administration has announced allocation of $9.2 billion through Phase I Auction of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.
Written By:
Sen. Chuck Grassley | 10:40 pm, Dec. 25, 2020 ×
Q: Why is closing the digital divide so important for Rural America?
A: Connecting every home and business to high-speed internet access will open the door of opportunity for rural residents to compete in the digital economy. Rural broadband is a critical piece of the puzzle for communities to foster economic development and productivity; empower students to attain top academic achievement; and, allow workers and families to enjoy a high quality of life with a lower cost of living available in the Midwest.
New $900B COVID-19 Relief Package Set to Provide $7B in Funding for Broadband Access
December 21, 2020
On Sunday, Congressional leadership reached agreement on a $900 billion additional COVID-19 pandemic relief package, which includes $7 billion in funding for broadband internet access. Legislators say this is critical funding as Americans continue to learn and work from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, so access has become crucial.
According to Sen. Ron Wyden, (D-Ore.), “Broadband connections are essential for Americans seeking to get news jobs, and access school health care and other government services. Ensuring working families can stay online will pay massive dividends for kids’ education, helping people find jobs and jump starting the economic recovery next year.”
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