Broadband access in Bertie will strengthen economic development
Bertie and Hertford Counties still have too many underserved areas.
Unserved and underserved areas around the United States far too often overlap with rural areas with shrinking populations and few job opportunities. Broadband access in Bertie, Hertford, and other rural communities in eastern North Carolina remains sporadic. While efforts are underway to expand broadband access, with providers such as Fybe, Spectrum, and Brightspeed, there’s still much work to do in connecting underserved populations.
I live and work from my home office in Central Bertie County, perhaps one of the most underserved rural communities. I once struggled with the long wait for broadband initiatives to reach us. When my home finally received broadband service, I was shocked to learn that I was literally at the end of the line. My next-door neighbors and the folks across the street were told they would not have access to the same high-speed internet until the provider had the funding for materials to continue their work.
Defining Broadband Internet Access
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband as high-speed internet that offers a minimum download speed of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) and 3 Mbps upload speed.
The FCC and other federal agencies, such as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the US Department of Agriculture, consider it the gold standard.
Here are the factors that put broadband access heads and shoulders above other internet service:
- Speed: Broadband brings incredible speeds, making streaming, workforce training, and distance learning accessible to all communities.
- Reliability: Broadband access relies on modern fiber-optic cable. A robust connection to the internet backbone infrastructure means much greater connectivity than older technology.
- Greater Capacity: Broadband infrastructure is stable, allowing multiple devices in homes or businesses to connect without service interruptions or speed reduction.
For these reasons, federal and state governments, public safety communication centers, public schools, health care facilities, and other essential services rely on broadband coverage.
What Is the Digital Divide?
Unfortunately, internet service continues to be a world of haves and have-nots, especially in poorer rural and urban areas. On the other hand, suburban, more affluent communities have had reliable high-speed internet for decades.
That lack of digital inclusion has created a digital divide. Those who benefitted from early broadband deployment have significant advantages, which became apparent during the 2020 shutdowns.
Here’s What a Lack of Digital Equity Looks Like
People outside of rural areas with good internet access worked and continued earning a stable income. In contrast, those without high-speed internet access were furloughed and had to live on their unemployment earnings.
The lack of access to high-speed internet—at home or in temporarily closed community facilities—also harmed children who could not complete online lessons. Since then, children have fallen behind in learning.
The Solution: Connecting Unserved People
The solution is digital equity. That doesn’t mean that we should only increase access (but, yes, we should!). Beyond availability, it also means having training, technical assistance/support, and community programs to bring up to speed those who have been left behind for far too long.
When Rural Communities Increase Broadband Access, They Thrive
Perhaps one of the best ways to promote digital inclusion, especially to policymakers and lawmakers, is to preach the economic benefits of finding solutions and providing broadband service to all. Present clear ideas about how funding broadband infrastructure can create jobs, open new markets, and improve the economy.
Points to Make When Advocating to Expand Broadband for Small Business Growth
Why should federal and state funding help provide broadband service? Here are some key talking points:
Market Access for Commerce
Improved broadband access could mean small businesses thrive in Hertford and Bertie Counties. They can tap into larger markets beyond the local area. More customers and higher sales will translate into a more robust economy.
Job Creation
As rural business owners grow, they will eventually need to hire people. This growth can increase local employment rates and economic resilience for individuals and their families.
Innovation and Competition
Digital equity can mean more innovation. It gives all business owners acces to the latest technology without regard to location. This levels the playing field, helping the next generation of rising entrepreneurs to succeed right here at home.
Stop Brain Drain
Brain drain, the movement of the brightest, most promising young people away to pursue opportunity, is a common rural community concern. A program that will provide broadband and make it possible to keep those bright young people here working at remote jobs will benefit all for generations.
Final Thoughts on Funding Programs for Broadband Infrastructure Projects
Broadband access in Bertie and Hertford Counties has improved, with federal and state funding programs bringing this necessary infrastructure to the area. However, there is still a chasm between broadband availability in our small towns and the rural countryside. We cannot let up now and must continue to advocate for broadband initiatives to roll out across our area. No resident should be left behind.