Podcast Summary
High-speed internet in Kentucky: Bipartisan infrastructure law aims to connect every home in America to high-speed internet, with $42B going to Kentucky to connect approximately 200,000 unserved/underserved homes.
The bipartisan infrastructure law aims to connect every home in America to high-speed internet, and states like Kentucky are gearing up to make that happen. With a significant portion of the $42 billion Bead funding going to Kentucky, the Kentucky Office of Broadband Development is leading the charge. For Kentuckyans, this means an end to calls seeking a solution for lack of high-speed internet, and the hope is that by the end of the program, everyone will be connected. This translates to approximately 200,000 homes in Kentucky that are currently unserved or underserved. The federal program allows states to determine how to spend their allocated funds and get the money out the door. With a goal of connecting everyone, this is an exciting time for Kentucky and a significant step towards improving the lives of its residents.
BEAT program progress: Despite challenges, the BEAT program is making progress towards achieving universal internet access by 2030, with over 40,000 locations recently gaining access.
The BEAT program, led by Megan, aims to provide internet access to unserved and under-served locations across the country, with a goal to achieve universal connectivity by 2030. The progress is incremental, but significant, with over 40,000 locations recently gaining access. However, creating a map of every potential connection point and securing funding for projects remains a complex process with challenges along the way. Despite the obstacles, Megan and her team are excited about the opportunity to make a difference and are preparing to release the first 20% of the funding soon. It's a massive undertaking with many intricate details, requiring collaboration between the federal and state governments, as well as internet service providers. While the end goal of seeing fiber on utility poles may seem far off, the team is ready for the challenges ahead.
Broadband infrastructure development: To ensure all communities, including remote areas, have access to reliable broadband internet, federal funding is being used to improve infrastructure and connect unserved and underserved areas. Identifying these areas through hands-on assessment is crucial to meet the broadband standard and ensure no one is left behind.
Bringing broadband internet to every home and business, especially in population centers and rural areas, requires a significant effort. Kentucky, for instance, is receiving $42 billion from the federal government to improve broadband access. Chip Span, a federal program officer, emphasizes the importance of reaching "every hood and every hauler," meaning all communities, no matter how remote. While fiber is the preferred method due to its future-proof nature, the physical infrastructure from network centers to homes is also crucial. However, simply relying on satellite or wireless connections is not enough to meet the 100 megabit upload and 20 download broadband standard. The process involves driving around to identify unserved and underserved areas, which can include RV parks and tobacco barns, and mapping out the infrastructure needed to connect them. This hands-on approach is essential to accurately assess the broadband landscape and ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.
Internet infrastructure investment in rural areas: Building and maintaining internet infrastructure in rural areas is costlier due to low population density and challenging terrain, with fiber to the home investment up to $50,000 a month, but economically not cost-effective to install fiber to every home, leading ISPs to explore other technologies and creating a need for hundreds to thousands of new jobs.
Building and maintaining internet infrastructure in rural areas is a significant investment due to the low population density and challenging terrain. For instance, in some areas of Kentucky, internet service providers (ISPs) may need to pass seven to nine houses before reaching a potential customer. The infrastructure investment for fiber to the home in rural areas can be up to $50,000 a month, compared to $27,000 in suburban areas. However, economically, it may not be cost-effective to install fiber to every home in rural areas, leading ISPs to explore other technologies like hybrid fiber coaxial. The Biden administration's priority is fiber to the home, but the labor market and workforce requirements present additional challenges. Hundreds, if not thousands, of new jobs will be needed to address this issue, ranging from utility pole climbers to customer service representatives. I had the opportunity to climb a utility pole about two years ago.
Broadband access in rural areas: Governor Beshear's listening tour revealed overwhelming support for expanding high-speed broadband access in rural Kentucky, despite the complexities and challenges involved.
Expanding high-speed broadband access in rural areas is a collaborative effort filled with challenges, but it's a game-changer for communities. Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky embarked on a listening tour to understand the broadband needs of his state and received overwhelming support for the federal funding coming their way. Despite the complexities of state regulations, federal requirements, and infrastructure development, the goal is to make high-speed internet accessible and affordable for all. Chip Spann, a key player in the process, remains committed to delivering on this promise. The lack of broadband access in rural areas often coincides with a lack of cellular service, making connectivity a significant issue. Despite the obstacles, the potential benefits, including economic opportunities for businesses and improved access to education and healthcare, make the effort worthwhile.
High-speed internet impact: High-speed internet is revolutionizing lives and businesses in unexpected places, enabling success stories like a cupcake business in far eastern Kentucky and promoting financial literacy through podcasts like 'Financial Inclined'.
High-speed internet access is transforming lives and businesses in unexpected places, regardless of demographics or political leanings. This was emphasized in the discussion about a group from far eastern Kentucky selling cupcakes and building a successful business thanks to their online capabilities. The team at APM, including Kyle Risdall, Francesca Levy, and others, are exploring this topic further. Additionally, on the financial front, Janelle Espinal from APM's "Financial Inclined" podcast encourages listeners to understand simple money lessons, such as credit scores and savings accounts, to improve their financial futures.