In a decisive move to address its significant connectivity issues, Brownsville, Texas, has established a public-private partnership aimed at bridging the digital divide. In 2019, the city was identified as one of the “worst-connected cities” in the United States, with two-thirds of its households lacking broadband access, according to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. The COVID-19 pandemic further illuminated this disparity, leaving much of the local workforce unable to work remotely.
The new mayor and community advocates capitalized on pandemic recovery funds to create a “middle-mile” network, which is vital for improving connections and fostering competition among internet service providers (ISPs). This initiative is highlighted in the recently published book, “Bridging the Digital Divide in the U.S. Planning Innovative State and Local Approaches,” edited and co-authored by researchers from Cornell University.
Insights from Experts on Digital Connectivity
The book examines the ongoing challenges that many rural and disadvantaged urban areas face, which often remain “digital deserts” despite billions in federal funding aimed at promoting universal access. The editors emphasize that high-speed internet access is indispensable for social and economic inclusion. They assert, “Universal broadband access has increasingly become a matter of public interest, and in the absence of market solutions, communities are leading the way.”
Among the editors are Mildred Warner, professor of global development at Cornell, Natassia Bravo, and Duxixi “Ada” Shen. Warner, who also directs the Local Government Restructuring Lab, discussed the book’s findings in an interview with the Chronicle.
Warner highlighted the common misconception that many people live without internet access, noting that between 24 million and 42 million Americans lack connectivity at home. This absence forces individuals to seek internet access in public places like libraries and schools, creating barriers to full participation in society.
Key Challenges and Innovative Solutions
Warner identified several factors that hinder connectivity in both rural and urban areas, including financial constraints, market monopolization, and insufficient political will. She explained that regions with low demand or significant distances from existing infrastructure often face neglect from major ISPs. As a result, many low-income and older adult communities remain underserved.
To combat these challenges, Warner advocates for policies that recognize the necessity of universal service, promote competition, and bolster local initiatives. She suggests that funding can stimulate both supply and demand for broadband services, while more accurate data can help pinpoint internet deserts.
Brownsville’s strategy exemplifies how effective research and community engagement can lead to meaningful change. The city utilized data to advocate for its needs and navigated around state restrictions on municipal broadband. The involvement of mission-driven ISPs was crucial to the initiative’s success.
Other regions are also making strides in addressing connectivity issues. Minnesota has implemented a flagship program that supports numerous communities, while Colorado is focusing on developing middle-mile networks. Maine has introduced Broadband Utility Districts, and innovative efforts are underway in indigenous communities, such as the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma.
Warner emphasized that local leadership, combined with supportive state and federal policies, can help achieve universal connectivity.
As federal policies continue to evolve, the outlook for communities lacking broadband access remains a pressing concern. Warner outlines three critical elements for digital inclusion: access, affordability, and adoption. She argues that when all three factors are addressed, individuals can seamlessly integrate the internet into their daily lives.
Although the Affordable Connectivity Program expired in spring 2024, the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program, backed by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, allocates $42.45 billion to ensure high-speed internet access for every American. While some regulatory decisions may pose challenges, the funding remains available to aid states and localities in their efforts to enhance connectivity.
The initiatives detailed in the book underscore the potential for innovative planning at the state and local levels to effectively bridge the digital divide, a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action.
