The Biden-Harris Administration made a significant announcement last month, revealing an allocation of nearly $700 million to expand high-speed internet access to remote and rural areas. This investment is a part of President Biden’s comprehensive “Investing in America Agenda.”
Secretary Tom Vilsack of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shared that these grants and loans will possibly enable thousands of rural residents, farmers, and business owners across 22 states (California being one) and the Marshall Islands to enjoy reliable and affordable high-speed internet. This effort falls under the ReConnect Program, specifically designed to support challenging high-speed internet projects in the most remote and unserved communities.
California, and the country as a whole, is not stranger to efforts like this from private companies such as Meta and X (formerly known as Twitter). So the question is, to where and to who is this money going to be allocated to exactly?
Central to President Biden’s economic revitalization strategy is the goal of connecting all corners of the United States to high-speed internet – which again, has been central to all of tech companies for the last couple decades at least. This initiative, however, claims to rebuild the economy inclusively and foster growth from the ground up.
As part of this overarching agenda, over $500 billion has already been channeled into private-sector manufacturing investments, infrastructure development, cost reduction, and the creation of “quality” jobs. The policy and effort supposedly being directed towards transforming the nation for the better and reaching under-served communities.
Secretary Vilsack emphasized the importance of keeping rural America connected through reliable, high-speed internet. He noted that he hopes this brings innovation to the forefront and also generates job opportunities and facilitates future economic growth – though it is not entirely certain that it can do any of that.
The distribution of funds encompasses various states, including Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. These investments are expected to contribute significantly to the digital inclusion of these regions.
This is part of the Biden administrations “Internet for All” initiative. Though this initiative does not have its origin with Biden. In fact, both Trump and Obama had similar items for policy – but Obama was the main originator. However, Trump was no slouch on the issues and did also contribute greatly. But as with anything political, each administration will change the fine print and the titles to suit their own ego.
Certain questions remain though, especially in this tumultuous time. Such as if you are you doing better now in your own rural area? And where exactly and to whom these funds are going?
Just like High-Speed Rail in its heyday, there are a series of bureaucracies on top of bureaucracies governing this money! Of note are the investments that will benefit the Rural Partners Network (RPN) – which collaborates with federal, state, and local partners to address the unique needs of rural communities that have faced challenges in accessing government programs and funding. By supporting locally driven plans for job creation, infrastructure development, and economic growth, RPN plays a pivotal role in the control of the cash.
Highlighted projects include initiatives in North Carolina, Oregon, and New Mexico. For instance, Star Telephone Membership Corporation in North Carolina is set to receive substantial funding, benefiting thousands of people, businesses, farms, and educational facilities.
In parallel with these grants, the Hood Canal Telephone Co. Inc. is receiving a loan through the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan & Loan Guarantee Program. This investment will lead to them redoing their infrastructure in Washington state.
The ReConnect Program does have eligibility criteria and does also come with bipartisan support 0 but as Californians are already aware of, that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been fraud, waste, and abuse.
