globalmoments - stock.adobe.com
Broadband is a necessity. For too many American families, though, it remains a luxury.
The past year has fundamentally altered how we do our jobs, socialize with friends and family, go to school and buy goods and services. With businesses and schools shut down for months, those fortunate enough to be able to work from home took meetings, conducted business and “went to class” behind a screen. Many still are.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the realities of the digital divide and highlighted the need for substantial broadband investment.
Opinion
I heard from Mark Norris, an Iraq war veteran, and high school teacher in Shawnee, Illinois. When the pandemic hit, Mark immediately thought about his students, what this would mean for their achievement, and how he was going to be able to make it through all of the course material. A year later, he still worries about the academic setbacks for his students. He told me the internet service he had during his deployment was more reliable than the service he and his students have today.