[News] National Leaders learn from Vermont's rural broadband strategies

The following article appeared in the Manchester Journal:

MONTPELIER — Vermont is leading the way in the national effort to bring high-speed internet access to all Americans. Most recently Vermont experts, including Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) grantees, provided leadership and insights at The American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB)’s inaugural public broadband conference in partnership with New America Open Technology Institute (OTI) on May 14-15, which brought together leaders nationwide to discuss strategy and best practices and engage in public broadband advocacy.

A Vermonter was highlighted on each of the conference’s panel discussions. Ellie de Villiers, Executive Director of Maple Broadband and Chair of the Vermont Communications Union District Association (VCUDA); Christa Shute, Executive Director of NEKCV Broadband and Secretary of VCUDA; and Alex Kelley, Director of Broadband Consulting for the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) covered subjects ranging from building a successful broadband network, to sharing key aspects of a good public-private partnership, and wide-ranging policy topics.

“Vermont’s public broadband-first strategy via its communications union districts provides a bold model for advancing the public interest, and we appreciate the insights Vermont brings to the nationwide conversation about the practicalities of building, supporting, and providing strong governance for public networks,” stated Gigi Sohn, Executive Director of AAPB and former nominee for the Federal Communications Commission.

Following the conference, some attendees met with offices of both Republican and Democratic members of Congress to discuss barriers and opportunities related to ensuring that all Americans have access to reliable, high-speed, affordable internet service. Across the board, Representatives and Senators expressed interest in and support for public broadband and its crucial role in getting high speed, reliable, affordable internet to all Americans. That experience emphasized that broadband is one of a relatively small number of non-partisan issues.

Some key themes emerged from the conference: the importance of effective competition, access to high-speed internet in rural areas, and the degree to which broadband contributes to economic development. Universal high-speed access enables data-driven efficiencies such as smart metering for electrical utilities, as well as services such as telehealth, which can facilitate delivery of certain services faster, with more efficiency, and lower costs than in person alternatives.

“It was truly encouraging to meet with and hear both Republican and Democratic Senators and Representatives agree with the ongoing importance of public funds for broadband infrastructure,” stated Shute, adding, “There are true benefits to building infrastructure within the state to help replace failing copper DSL infrastructure that form the base for public safety. Investing in public infrastructure further ensures that those public funds will contribute to the public good for generations.”

According to de Villiers, the event emphasized the importance of efficient and effective use of funding, and the knowledge, skills, and governance required to do so. Fiber-optic networks, such as those being built by the CUDs, are a particularly good long-term investment because, in comparison to other technologies, well-designed fiber networks will last for decades with lower costs to upgrade or maintain. “Using public funds efficiently and effectively and focusing on the long-term total cost of ownership is particularly critical in areas where low population density and/or incomes makes private investment challenging,” said de Villiers.

The conference also highlighted the fact that despite significant investments, especially since COVID, rural broadband is still an issue all across the country. "If you can build broadband in a state as rural as Vermont, you can do it anywhere. I'm thrilled to see Vermont continue to be a national leader, because the battle to bring great broadband to every rural area is far from over. For communities with connectivity gaps, it's never too late to explore how to take charge of your connectivity future," stated Kelley.

Full article is here.