IEDC webinar recap: Broadband Solutions for Rural and Underserved Communities

IEDC recently hosted a webinar—sponsored by the Economic Development Administration—focused on how broadband relates to economic development and the importance of increasing capacity for rural and underserved communities. Moderated by Craig Settles, a broadband industry analyst, the webinar featured Monique Boulet, CEO of Acadiana Planning Commission in Louisiana, and Evan Carlson, chair of NEK Community Broadband in Vermont. Below are highlights from the webinar. 

Broadband and economic development

When Carlson moved to Vermont, he noticed the challenges of working without high-speed internet and began working on ways to improve broadband infrastructure in his area. He believes broadband is necessary infrastructure for communities to compete in today’s world: “Broadband is so much more than the ability to work remotely, it also now has ties with health care, education, public safety, utilities, etc.”

Boulet sees similar challenges working with seven parishes in the Acadiana region to increase fiber-to-home access. There is a strong relationship between job growth in communities and internet speed, and broadband could be the difference between a community’s survival or demise.

Advice for pursuing grants

Both speakers highlighted funding programs through the USDA, such as the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program which focuses mainly on broadband construction in rural areas. EDA can also provide funding for broadband projects. Boulet made the point that many federal funding agencies and opportunities are looking for projects with strength and stability, which aligns well with the broadband initiative.

Broadband post-COVID

As for how economic developers and local leaders have changed their perspective on broadband since the pandemic, Settles said that economic development is the primary driver for broadband across the United States.

Vermont had been discussing broadband-related issues for years, but the pandemic allowed for more planning, action, and project movement, mainly out of necessity when the world went remote. Louisiana was also addressing broadband prior to COVID-19, but not with much urgency. Now that these projects are being looked at more seriously, “the decisions in broadband are choosing which towns will be here decades down the road,” Boulet said. The pandemic clearly accelerated the need for broadband, and some communities may get left behind if they don’t take action soon.

For more information and a recording of this webinar visit RestoreYourEconomy.org, an IEDC resource dedicated to providing information on disasters, their impacts, and ways to recover.

Download a free copy of the most recent report published by IEDC’s EDRP program, Getting Connected: How Economic Developers Are Expanding Broadband Access.