House Agriculture Committee hears firsthand what is needed to help close the digital divide in rural America.
During the pandemic, the need for access to adequate broadband only increased with an estimated 24 million Americans lacking. During a House Agriculture Committee hearing, members heard from those on the ground the need to update maps on areas that remain underserved as well as offer flexible funding to spread out costs to extend broadband coverage.
“It’s essential we act to finally close the digital divide that has kept so many of our rural communities from reaching their full potential,” said House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott, D-Ga., in his opening comments.