Meridian Star
Our View: High-speed internet plan helps bridge the gap
By Star Editorial
Gov. Tate Reeves on Tuesday announced the state’s plan to bring high-speed internet to every part of the state received approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, bringing public and private resources to bear to bridge the technological gap.
The plan, which will include 12 different companies and be overseen by the state Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi, or BEAM, is expected to dole out more than $508 million to connect more than 93,000 homes.
In his announcement, Reeves said the effort will strengthen workforce, attract industry and provide new opportunities for Mississippians. He’s right.
In today’s world, high-speed internet isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. Internet is needed to apply for jobs, complete school assignments, check bank balances, and even clock in and out at work. Some homes take it even further with functions such as the thermostat being connected to the internet, and even appliances like smart refrigerators hooked up to the World Wide Web.
Internet has revolutionized modern American life, and those without a fast, reliable connection are left behind. While many can compensate with public internet access like most public libraries provide, Mississippians face additional challenges getting there. Rural areas, low-income residents and a widespread lack of public transportation all present barriers residents must overcome.
While the need for high-speed internet was felt prior, the COVID-19 pandemic clearly defined the rift between those with access and those without.
Mississippi public schools spent thousands on cellular hotspots to help children transition to virtual learning. Hospitals and doctors’ offices similarly invested in telehealth technologies, while office workers who were able to work from home abandoned their desks in droves.
The adoption of technology over the last 30 years changed high-speed internet from a luxury to a utility. The pandemic changed it from a utility to a necessity.
The State Legislature in 2019 passed the Mississippi Broadband Enabling Act allowing the state’s electric cooperatives to provide high-speed internet, which has connected hundreds of thousands of residences to the internet throughout the state. Despite that success, some areas remain unserved or underserved.
Federal legislation introduced last month by Mississippi Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith would further those gains by reauthorizing the USDA Rural Utilities Service to issue loans and grants for middle-mile broadband projects. The program, previously authorized under the 2018 farm bill, has been used by the Mississippi electric co-ops to help fund internet expansion.
“When we connect more Mississippians, we grow our economy,” Reeves said, “we create jobs, and we build a stronger future for our people.”