A new poll of 1,938 individuals by the Internet Innovation Alliance finds that ninety percent of US voters support closing the digital divide through federal funds and sixty-two percent want Congress to “immediately” deploy broadband Internet to unserved areas.
Students in the Homework Gap are forced to gather in the parking lots outside schools, public libraries, and fast food restaurants in hopes of getting a wifi connection.
“A strong response is critical given the supreme importance of connectivity while the country continues its efforts to combat the unprecedented and devastating COVID-19 pandemic,” wrote members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
“COVID-19 continues to reveal to the public and policymakers alike that a reliable Internet connection is an absolute necessity in the modern world,” concludes the BroadbandNow report.
The Governor’s executive order requires state agencies to pursue a goal of 100 Mbps broadband download speed, mapping and data collection, funding, and deployment.
There are many outstanding questions about the effect of the bankruptcy plan on frontline employees and whether Frontier will follow through on badly needed investments in broadband deployment and service quality.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that broadband is more necessary than ever, and a Cars.com survey suggests it will stay that way as a third of Americans plan to telework permanently.
