Few state and local officials believe national telecommunications companies, despite their role in expanding emergency connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic, are capable of closing the digital divide, according to new research from the Broadband Equity Partnership consulting firm.
A survey of economic development and IT agency officials, nonprofit leaders, school officials and utility company executives published by the firm last week found that less than 25% of 120 total respondents were confident that national ISPs can use future federal funds to close the digital divide, which has been exacerbated over the past year by the coronavirus pandemic.
