Indiana’s trying to expand your access to high-speed broadband, but legislators are still hashing out the details.
The state has been working to extend broadband into hard-to-reach areas for a while, but the coronavirus pandemic has brought renewed attention to the issue, with more Hoosiers needing to do their jobs, go to school, or consult doctors through web connections. Four separate bills addressing different aspects and approaches for broadband expansion are under consideration in the House and Senate. That doesn’t include the budget bill, which proposes a quarter-billion dollars to expand broadband.
The challenge for legislators is to focus that money on areas which don’t have broadband service, without duplicating federal efforts. They’re discussing a range of ideas to connect as many Hoosiers as possible.
One proposal would go a house at a time — a state portal would take reports from homes and businesses who don’t have access, tell the state you need broadband, and the state would take bids from contractors. Joni Hart with the Indiana Cable and Broadband Association says providers hear frequently from people who report they’re within a mile of an existing network, close enough to see the lines, but don’t have access themselves.
Another proposal would give vouchers to people who have networks available but can’t afford them. Indiana Farm Bureau policy director Katrina Hall says expanding rural broadband is a top priority for the Farm Bureau, but says broadband access an urban issue as well, especially when it comes to affordability.
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American broadband lags in rural areas because the customer density is low, while the cost to roll out the network is fixed. At a certain point, it will not be financially viable with existing technology to hook people up. Of course, newer technologies will continually change that equation over time.
5G home access and Starlink satellites are two current disruptors that are about to hit the market.
If the government throws wads of cash at this rural broadband issue, it’s a waste of money because in the next couple years the newer tech will do a better job for a fraction of the cost.
This entire plan reminds me of Congress banning incandescent light bulbs and forcing everyone to move to crappy CFL bulbs, then a couple years later LEDs were viable anyway.
This should NOT be a government issue. It SHOULD be an enterprise issue.
That is what government does, throw wads of case at a rear or perceived problem and hoe for the best.
Broadband for all should be economically viable. otherwise it is just a boondoggle for the providers.
I used to live where there was no cable because of population density. I got a C-Band Sat dish to solve the problem. I PAID for the equipment and the service. I didn’t expect my taxpaying neighbors to chip in on my bill either. My local supermarket has free WiFi. There are always a number of cars parked outside using the free service.