Millions of households still lack adequate access to high-speed Internet access in rural America\u2014and that comes with some serious social and economic impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At least 9.3 million rural residents<\/a> don\u2019t have adequate broadband service. But the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) relies on self-reported data, so that number is likely much higher. For example, Broadband Now<\/a>\u2014an independent research group\u2014suggests some 42 million Americans are underserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without adequate connectivity, citizens can\u2019t fully participate in the digital economy. Communities have a harder time retaining residents and attracting employers. And businesses, schools, hospitals, and community colleges are getting left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe challenge of connectivity is not new, but as we move to an increasingly connected, digital world, the cost of leaving out rural communities amplifies,\u201d according to Deloitte’s report on connecting rural communities<\/a>. \u201cWith 5G technology coming to major cities, barring concerted action, the digital divide between rural communities and the rest of the world will be exacerbated, with large swaths of rural Americans at risk of being left behind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Large swaths of rural America lack adequate middle-mile infrastructure, which results in sub-standard broadband performance and reliability\u2014if they have access at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The challenge for carriers and broadband providers is that middle-mile infrastructure is costly and complex to install. In some areas, the terrain poses a challenge\u2014consider, for example, the Appalachian mountains in West Virginia. In other areas, the climate is a factor\u2014in Alaska, the ground is frozen at least half the year. This makes it hard, if not impossible, to install fiber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But perhaps the biggest obstacle is money. Local carriers can\u2019t get enough of a return to justify a major investment in rural broadband expansion. This means those communities are at risk of falling further and further behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s where a model involving public-private partnerships can help. As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic\u2014when consumers, schools, hospitals, and businesses became increasingly dependent on digital technologies\u2014the federal government authorized $87 billion in funding for broadband access and adoption, including $65 billion as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act<\/em> to address the digital divide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This investment provides an opportunity for public-private partnerships to extend and expand middle-mile infrastructure. For example, companies like Zayo<\/a> that already have an extensive network can partner with governments, foundations, and telecommunications co-ops to ensure that middle-mile infrastructure extends beyond its current reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through $92.9 million in funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration<\/a> (NTIA) Middle Mile Grant Program, Zayo is using these funds to extend network infrastructure across eight states and more than 2,100 route miles. Zayo, in turn, works with local ISPs and broadband providers to address the specific needs of each underserved community\u2014and to identify other potential areas of expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marginalized communities that will benefit from this funding were selected based on socio-economic indicators and current broadband speeds\u2014where median broadband access is below 100 Mbps download speed and 25 Mbps upload speed. In many of these areas, a significant percentage of residents fall under the federal poverty rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, as part of its El Paso to Dallas Project, Zayo is building a high-capacity middle-mile fiber route<\/a> spanning over 644 miles to establish broadband across Western Texas\u2014with the capacity to serve entire rural communities along the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fiber provides a long-lasting, reliable, and scalable solution for connecting underserved areas. It can also support 5G and cloud computing, which are vital to competing and growing in today\u2019s digital economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Increasing access to broadband in rural areas is linked to increased job and population growth, higher rates of new business formation and home values, and lower unemployment rates, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The construction of high-capacity middle-mile fiber routes in rural areas can level the playing field for students, healthcare workers, and small business owners. For example, when schools are connected to fiber routes, they\u2019re able to provide essential online resources and remote learning opportunities for students and faculty.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Gap in the Middle<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Rise of Public-Private Partnerships<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Zayo\u2019s Network Expansion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Driving Economic Development<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n