New Interactive Tool Shows States How Internet for All Can Be Achieved

Washington, DC, December 13, 2023 – Many state broadband policymakers now recognize that a fiber-only approach to bridging the digital divide with current public support will fall short of its intended goal. The limited resources, as substantial as they are, will simply be exhausted by this restrictive framework, leaving un- and underserved Americans offline. To get all online, they must have wider latitude in using the tools best suited for their unique circumstances.

Universal service can be achieved where a balance between fiber and other reliable technologies – such as fixed wireless broadband – can be properly struck.

Yesterday, the Vernonburg Group – underwritten by WISPA – rolled out its Broadband Funding Optimization Tool, an interactive online tool allowing state and territorial broadband offices to see and understand what that balance can be.  Briefly, the tool’s default settings estimate where broadband offices can set their Extremely High Cost Per Location Thresholds, enabling users to change settings and assumptions to see the impact of a variety of policy decisions.

“Solving for the digital divide means addressing access, affordability, and adoption challenges. Vernonburg Group’s Broadband Funding Optimization Tool demonstrates that Internet for All can be achieved through informed and prudent policy and programmatic choices”, said Greg Guice, Vernonburg Group’s Chief Policy Officer. “This is great news for state and territorial broadband offices which have been concerned that they do not have enough funding to extend high-speed internet connections to all unserved and underserved households and address their other deployment and digital equity priorities. The key to success is setting a reasonable upper per-location limit on what states are willing to spend on fiber builds, using a mix of fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite technologies, and freeing up sufficient funds for connecting community anchor institutions and providing digital equity programs.”

Internet for All can happen. The Broadband Funding Optimization Tool can show the way, helping policymakers understand how they can free up limited taxpayer funds to get all online.

About WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries
WISPA’s approximately 1000 members provide fixed broadband connectivity, and include equipment suppliers, support services, and other industry partners and stakeholders. Our members provide broadband access to millions of residential and business customers in rural, urban, and Tribal areas across America.

Contact
Mike Wendy
WISPA
202-763-5257
mwendy@wispa.org