Coronavirus Sparks New Interest in Bridging Digital Divides

Source: Gov Tech Published: April 6, 2020

Advocates and government staffers in the broadband and digital equity space say there is a renewed interest in supporting their work, with shelter-at-home orders emphasizing the need to bridge digital divides.

Maine lawmakers recently approved a bond package with $15 million to expand broadband in the state, by a lopsided vote of 124 to seven. Gov. Janet Mills then went on to sign the bill the same day, with a provision added to fast-track a statewide vote for the June primary, rather than November as originally scheduled.

The action in Maine is part of what experts say is a wave of rejuvenated interest in bridging the country’s digital divide, which essentially means making Internet accessible and affordable, as well as equipping residents with technology and the skills they need to use it in meaningful ways. And it’s a wave of interest directly owing to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Indeed, the Maine vote came right as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the nation, just days after a stark and sudden evening that saw the NBA suspend its season and Tom Hanks publicly announce that he and partner Rita Wilson had tested positive for the virus. Soon after, government leaders the nation over issued mandates for non-essential businesses to close, and health experts stressed the importance of residents sheltering in place to stem the spread of deadly infections. As a result, the nation immediately found itself even more reliant on high-speed Internet than it already was, specifically reliant on access and connections in homes. Not schools, libraries or offices, most of which were closed.

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