By David Ducharme / For The Herald
Information creates opportunity, yet access to a level playing field when it comes to the technology necessary for all people to thrive has changed over time and is not keeping up.
Digital equity is not a privilege, it’s a priority. But it is a fact that there is a lack of access to high-speed internet at some level in every county in the state. The people who have yet to receive broadband services typically reside in places that require an investment of $10,000 to $15,000 per household, and even more to maintain the infrastructure over time. We need help and good news is here.
The Biden administration understands the digital divide and has committed more than $48 billion to the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) grant program. For our state, this means over $1.23 billion will be allocated over the next five years to bring high-speed internet service to those currently unserved or underserved.
BEAD grant funding will allow us to continue our work expanding digital equity programs throughout the state by reaching those in need of service. However, the reality is that it will not be enough to completely provide universal internet access. The Washington state Broadband Office estimates, despite a mandatory 25 percent match required of BEAD grant recipients, there will remain a funding gap of nearly $500 million to reach all of the estimated 5 percent of our residents currently without high-speed internet.
That’s why it is critically important we maximize every dollar available by reducing regulatory barriers to broadband deployment and making sure grant recipients are reputable, proven providers who have demonstrated competency and commitment in connecting our communities.
We need to address regulatory barriers to deployment by reducing costs and timing delays associated with project permitting. This requires political will but can be done through better coordination between federal, state, local and tribal agencies. In addition, adoption of “dig-once” policies that ensure broadband conduit is installed during construction or replacement of highways, roads and city streets will also help us toward this end. We have and will continue to work with our state and local elected officials to help move the ball forward toward reducing these barriers.
Government and taxpayers can’t do this alone, and they shouldn’t. It only makes sense for them to partner with private sector providers that have existing broadband footprints in place and the technical, administrative and financial resources to ensure the long-term success of new and expanded networks. This avoids the risk of a wholly government-owned system failing in the event it lacks the necessary revenue down the road to adequately maintain and expand capacity in its network.
That said, it’s important that reputable private sector internet service providers are included in the equation. This includes our state’s cable industry players that have invested billions of dollars to build — and continue to build — networks that connect hundreds of thousands of homes and small businesses across the state, including many in hard-to-reach communities. Where they have the technical expertise and the ability to match or exceed the BEAD funding mandate to build and maintain networks they must be included where it makes the most sense.
Not long ago, the costs for connecting many rural areas were often prohibitive to internet service providers. But strong partnerships and the ability to match private with public funds will lead to increased connectivity.
Imagine the freedom and community that will be gained by an elderly resident who can now do telehealth visits, or the working parent who now can do a fully remote job and care for their child. A next generation broadband network will be a game-changer for all underserved parts of our state.
Cable broadband providers are committed to continuing our work with state leaders to put these federal dollars to work. Using federal BEAD funds in conjunction with state, local and private matching funds, can deliver high-speed broadband to our friends and neighbors throughout the state who are currently left out. Together, we can ensure that investments of this scale are made wisely to connect our unserved communities on time and on-budget.
David Ducharme is executive drector of the Broadband Communications Association of Washington.
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