Brownsville, Texas, is addressing its significant digital connectivity challenges with a strategic public-private partnership aimed at improving broadband access for its residents. In 2019, the city was identified as one of the least connected urban areas in the United States, with approximately two-thirds of households lacking broadband access, according to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. The situation worsened during the pandemic, as many residents were unable to work remotely due to the inadequate infrastructure.
In response to this pressing issue, newly elected officials, alongside community advocates, have taken decisive steps to utilize pandemic recovery funds. They are developing a “middle-mile” network designed to facilitate better connections and encourage competition among internet service providers (ISPs). This initiative is highlighted in a recent publication titled “Bridging the Digital Divide in the U.S. Planning Innovative State and Local Approaches,” edited by researchers from Cornell University.
Understanding the Digital Divide
The book explores the ongoing problem of “digital deserts” that persist in many rural and underserved urban areas, despite the availability of billions in federal funding aimed at promoting universal broadband access. The editors, including Mildred Warner, a professor of global development and city planning, emphasize that access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity for social and economic inclusion.
In her discussion about the book, Warner pointed out the stark reality faced by millions: “Many people do not understand that there are people who live without access to the internet, but between 24 million and 42 million Americans do.”
This lack of connectivity often forces individuals to seek internet access in public spaces such as libraries and stores, creating inconvenience and limiting opportunities for full participation in society.
Barriers to Connectivity
Addressing the barriers to connectivity, Warner identified several critical factors that have hindered progress in both rural and urban settings like Brownsville. These include financial constraints, market dominance by major ISPs, and a lack of political will to prioritize broadband expansion.
“Areas with limited demand or long distances are more difficult to serve and have been bypassed by the large internet service providers,” she explained. The necessity for policies that promote universal service and foster competition is paramount to overcoming these challenges.
When discussing potential solutions, Warner emphasized the importance of funding to stimulate both supply and demand. She noted that improved data collection could help identify specific internet deserts, allowing for more targeted policy interventions. “We need a multi-level governance system where federal and state policies support local leadership and prioritize public values in infrastructure deployment,” she stated.
Brownsville’s approach exemplifies effective strategies for addressing these issues. The city utilized data on community needs to advocate for improvements and navigated policy restrictions, particularly in a state like Texas that imposes limitations on municipal broadband initiatives. Critical to their success was the collaboration with mission-driven ISPs, which are often more willing to serve underserved areas.
Innovative Models Across the Nation
Other regions have also demonstrated successful strategies in bridging the digital divide. For instance, Minnesota has implemented a flagship program that has supported numerous communities, serving as a model for similar initiatives across the United States.
Colorado is focusing on developing middle-mile networks, while Maine has pioneered the establishment of Broadband Utility Districts. Notably, initiatives in indigenous communities, such as the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma, address unique challenges of distance and affordability.
Warner’s book illustrates that with local leadership, supportive state and federal policies, and the involvement of mission-driven internet providers, universal connectivity is achievable.
Looking Ahead
The current landscape for communities lacking broadband access is influenced by fluctuating federal policies. Warner pointed out that three key elements are essential for digital inclusion: access, affordability, and adoption.
“When all three are covered, you can integrate the internet into everyday life and work,” she noted. Despite the expiration of the Biden administration’s Affordable Connectivity Program in spring 2024, the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, represents a significant federal investment of $42.45 billion aimed at connecting every American to high-speed internet.
While challenges remain, the ongoing efforts of cities like Brownsville and the insights shared in this publication offer hope that the digital divide can be bridged, ensuring equitable access to essential services for all citizens.
