EXPANDING RURAL BROADBAND IN AMERICA: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS


Maxwell Ladogo Abilla
Graduate Student, Department of Sustainability, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois, USA
Abstract
Access to high-speed broadband has emerged as a critical enabler of economic growth, education, healthcare delivery, and overall quality of life in the United States. Despite its transformative potential, rural areas continue to face significant challenges in accessing reliable and affordable internet services, leaving millions of residents underserved or completely disconnected. This disparity exacerbates the digital divide, creating economic, educational, and social inequities that hinder community development and individual opportunity. This paper delves into the current state of rural broadband access in the U.S., exploring the multifaceted economic and social consequences of inadequate connectivity. It examines the structural, financial, and technological barriers that impede broadband infrastructure deployment in rural regions. Through an in-depth review of peer-reviewed research, government policy reports, and case studies, the paper identifies best practices for expanding rural broadband access, focusing on innovative solutions such as community-led initiatives, strategic public-private partnerships, and federal funding programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initiative. Additionally, the paper offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities aiming to bridge the rural broadband gap. These include fostering sustainable funding models, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and leveraging emerging technologies to address coverage challenges. By emphasizing the importance of inclusive and equitable broadband expansion, this paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on reducing digital disparities and achieving universal connectivity in the United States.
Keywords: Broadband connectivity, rural economic development, Education, Healthcare, Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD)
Journal Name :
EPRA International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Economic Research (ARER)

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Published on : 2025-01-15

Vol : 13
Issue : 1
Month : January
Year : 2025
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