Husted and Alsobrooks introduce bill on satellite broadband for Appalachia
Updated
Updated · cleveland.com · May 8
Husted and Alsobrooks introduce bill on satellite broadband for Appalachia
7 articles · Updated · cleveland.com · May 8
The measure would require a GAO study of whether the Appalachian Regional Commission can use satellites in broadband projects, with more than 300,000 Ohio households still lacking service.
It would assess business use, economic development and cost-effectiveness, and could later allow rural businesses and communities to seek ARC broadband funding if satellites prove effective.
A similar House measure passed unanimously in March, as backers say satellite service could overcome the difficult terrain that has made fibre expansion in southern Ohio costly.
Can satellite internet bridge the digital divide if high monthly costs place it out of reach for many families?
What is the hidden environmental cost of using thousands of satellites to close the digital divide?
Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access: How Satellite Technology and Federal Legislation Aim to End the Rural Digital Divide
Overview
Reliable broadband internet is essential for daily life, but many areas in Appalachia, especially Southern Ohio, still face a significant digital divide. This lack of connectivity puts residents and businesses at a disadvantage, limiting economic development and quality of life. The main reasons are the region’s challenging geography and the high costs of building traditional infrastructure, with connecting remote homes being especially expensive. Because of these barriers, satellite broadband is being considered as a practical solution to bridge the gap and bring much-needed internet access to these underserved communities.