Public and Private Solutions to the Digital Divide

If there's still any doubt that changes in public policy can have a huge impact on high speed internet access, just look at recent developments in Missouri.

A new law passed two months ago by the state legislature has made it easier for telecom companies to obtain television service contracts. As a result, AT&T announced it would invest $335 million to expand television and high speed internet service in the state. Much of the investment will go toward IPTV infrastructure, but the returns AT&T receives on IPTV will support the expansion of its DSL service to dozens of rural communities.

Here’s how the bill's sponsor, state Senator John Griesheimer, described AT&T’s commitment:

"I knew that the amount would be big," he said. "But it’s even better than I had ever dreamed or hoped for."

Residents of rural Missouri know what they've been missing out on, and they are excited by the prospect of finally getting plugged into high speed internet. Currently, many educational institutions, libraries, and hospitals have high speed internet access through the Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet). But so far residents have been restricted to dial-up access at home.

Senior Karissa Morrow loves using the internet, and she can do that at school, but not at home. A slow dial-up connection at home leaves Morrow frustrated.

"At home I click on a page and then leave the room to go do something else and come back," Morrow said.

Soon, thanks to the Missouri legislature and AT&T, Karissa will be able to take full advantage of the internet, no longer slowed by the digital divide.

AT&T plans to expand television and high-speed Internet services in Missouri (The Missourian)

High Speed for Rural Communities (KOMU NBC 8)

Missouri Research and Education Network