Connect Humanity’s Post

How can rural broadband providers stand out in a crowded market? New players, whether regional providers, large corporations, or “irrational” overbuilders, are disrupting the market and driving up competitive dynamics across the region. Here’s the thing: being a local provider is a competitive advantage! A few years ago, I worked with a rural provider to evaluate ways to differentiate themselves in the local market, and here’s what we found: In the most rural areas, being locally owned and involved in the community was much more important than the technology. When customers understand that their dollars stay in the community, supporting scholarships, local businesses, and even the high school football team, they often choose local over big-name providers. But it’s about more than just connectivity. According to a recent market report from the Center on Rural Innovation, rural counties with high broadband adoption from local providers saw: 📈 200% higher business growth 📈 10% higher self-employment rates Want to learn how local providers can leverage this advantage? In tomorrow's edition of 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧, I will share a three-tier strategy to help rural broadband providers secure customers, expand networks, and foster thriving communities. Q: How do you go about serving the needs of the community? Subscribe to the newsletter and be the first to receive weekly high-quality content to help you tackle complex strategic challenges in the telecom industry. https://lnkd.in/gjQhkuWw Please like 👍🏼 Please comment 💪🏼 Please share 👊🏼

Efforts to bridge the digital divide in rural America are gaining momentum. Balancing state and federal grants is key to ensuring reliable internet for even the most remote communities. Achieving universal connectivity requires collaboration, planning, and investment. https://lnkd.in/gnsCusYV #BroadbandAccess #RuralAmerica #DigitalEquity #UniversalConnectivity

🚨Unlock Broadband Expansion NOW! 🚨 The success of broadband growth depends on efficient local permitting! Here’s why: - 🏗️ $42.45 billion from BEAD hinges on streamlined permits - ⏳ Avoid bureaucratic delays - 🚀 Focus on shovel-ready & last-mile projects - 💡Minimize government interference, maximize market efficiency - 🤝 Foster public-private partnerships (PPPs) Local governments, be partners, not competitors. Reform processes to get high-speed internet to underserved communities faster. 🌐 Find out more: Mountain States Policy https://lnkd.in/gQrEavUi #BroadbandExpansion #PermittingReform #DigitalDivide #PublicPrivatePartnerships #BEADFunding #TechAdvocacy #HighSpeedInternet

In a world where everyone is connected, it's important to be connected. In some regions, there is a dearth. It's critical for that divide to be lessened. In most cases, the public sector will be the leader in bridging the gap. How are your local, state, regional, and national governments assisting their citizens to access technology needed for economic, educational, health, political, and social well being. #infrastructure #connectivity #broadband #communications #technology #governance #localgovernment #stategovernment #federalgovernment https://lnkd.in/erEcgxUR

The final day of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association #ntcafall is underway, and the (frankly, ginormous) elephant in the room is this morning’s hot topic. You guessed it, USF. Nationwide access to reliable, affordable broadband is incredibly important to the economic prosperity and upward growth of not only our individual communities, but our state and the entire country. We are all ahead when rural America has the same access (or, in many cases, better! #fiberinternet) to high-speed Internet for education, healthcare, and other important uses; and being able to participate in the digital economy and a world that depends so heavily on robust, reliable connectivity. #BroadbandBuilttoLast

The FCC’s renewed focus on 5G funding for rural broadband is a significant development in the effort to bridge the digital divide. The recent article details how this reboot aims to enhance connectivity in underserved areas, bringing faster and more reliable internet access to rural communities. As we look to the future, it's clear that sustained investment in broadband infrastructure is crucial for fostering economic growth and ensuring equitable access to digital resources. This move by the FCC is a positive step toward addressing connectivity challenges and supporting rural development. https://lnkd.in/g78Vwf5e

Connecting rural America is an ambitious goal that requires getting them the best possible broadband service that will last for years, not what's "good enough" for today. The last mile to the home is the first mile to opportunity.

Good recent Telecompetitor interview with Bree Maki, the executive director of Minnesota's Office of Broadband Development, that’s worth the read. Maki highlights, “we’ve been told that states know best and we are eager to get going [allocating BEAD funding], but some of the NTIA guidelines and requirements can make it challenging.”   Too many regulatory requirements will threaten the success of our #InternetForAll goals.   Read the full op-ed here: https://lnkd.in/eNm4W-Bj   #BEAD #Connectivity #CableIndustry #10G #InternetForAll #DigitalDivide 

The Affordable Connectivity Program has accomplished more to drive social and economic development by bridging our country’s digital opportunity divide than any other stand-alone effort in our nation’s history. With over 23 million households enrolled across all 50 states, territories, and federally recognized Tribal Lands, the success, reach, and impact of the program are unmatched. Right now we need your help to educate policy makers in Congress on the importance of extending funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program to prevent a catastrophic lapse in service for millions of households across the country. #ExtendACP #digitalequity #ACP