Whether it’s working or studying from home or access to adequate health care resources, the coronavirus outbreak has emphasized the need for better rural broadband connections across the country. Because many rural communities lack quality connections, according to American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Congressional Relations Director RJ Karney.
“Broadband is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity for farmers, for ranchers, for rural communities,” Karney said. “Rural Americans rely on broadband for distance learning. They rely on broadband for telemedicine. We’ve seen a drastic decline in primary care physicians throughout rural America, so the high-speed connection that broadband provides is a quality of life standard for rural America.”
A recent bill passed by the House and Senate will better direct funds to improve broadband for rural communities.
“Earlier this week, the Senate passed the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act. This bill would improve the accuracy of broadband coverage maps and better direct federal funds for broadband buildout by creating more granular, transparent accountability within broadband access maps,” he said.
The coronavirus outbreak response represents a real-time case study on the need for adequate rural broadband.
“We’re seeing more and more schools begin to shutter their doors and relying on internet access to continue to teach the students. Unfortunately for rural students who do not have access, these are severe limitations for them to continue their education,” Karney said. “Farm Bureau remains focused on working with members of Congress and this administration to achieve the needs of rural America when it comes to broadband deployment.”
Click here for more information on rural broadband efforts by AFBF.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced funding for rural broadband in Texas.
Through the ReConnect Pilot Program, USDA is investing $19 million in three high-speed broadband infrastructure projects in the state of Texas, Perdue announced at an event in Elmendorf last month.