Blog Bentonville

2022 Ecosystem Predictions — Getting Connected in 2022: High-Speed Internet Access Will Rise Dramatically

Predictions by Angie Cooper

Executive Director, Heartland Forward

The historic passage of the federal infrastructure bill will send hundreds of millions of dollars to expand high-speed internet access to states and localities in the heartland and across the country; an unprecedented investment. This funding has the potential to make real progress in closing the digital divide. That being said, this will only work if these dollars are spent in a way that provides for those who need it most, the unserved and underserved.

That’s where the hard work starts. Connectivity is an equity issue. According to a Pew Research study, while 80% of white adults report having home high-speed internet, only 71% of Black and 65% of Hispanic adults say the same.

Heartland Forward and many other statewide and national organizations are up to the challenge. Heartland Forward recognized the need to increase awareness about high-speed internet connectivity. Earlier this year we launched our Connecting the Heartland initiative to serve as a resource to communities, elected officials, and local governments as they work to close the digital divide.

Through this initiative, we plan to partner with policymakers at all levels of government and key stakeholders to ensure they deploy federal infrastructure funding to get Heartland communities connected.

Connectivity is an equity issue. According to a Pew Research study, while 80% of white adults report having home high-speed internet, only 71% of Black and 65% of Hispanic adults say the same.

Through this initiative, we plan to partner with policymakers at all levels of government and key stakeholders to ensure they deploy federal infrastructure funding to get Heartland communities connected. To make this

happen, there are four principles we believe the Heartland – and our nation, should focus:

  • Public investment in high-speed internet should lift everyone up. That means addressing barriers to access, affordability and adoption.

  • Communities should drive solutions that meet their own unique needs. To do so, many communities—especially smaller ones with limited staff and expertise—need technical assistance, planning support and authority to determine what’s in their best interest.

  • Regulations and standards should maximize investments for long-term impact.

  • Above all, this work is so crucial because high-speed internet access will have a positive impact across our economy, especially at the local level. Increasing internet access can serve double-duty in addressing other needs including healthcare quality, education and job creation.

  • 2022 can be the biggest year for high-speed internet uptick, but only if we put in the work. Had it been an easy solve, our nation would have conquered this sooner. Let’s ensure this progress is rooted in state and local grassroots efforts that lift up all communities and leaves no one behind.