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Broadband committee warns federal changes could jeopardize rural expansion funding
Summary
Members of the Broadband Committee told the Ohio County Fiscal Court that possible federal action (a bill described as related to the Digital Equity Act) could threaten funding that supports rural broadband expansion; court members said they have contacted the local provider and will monitor developments.
Members of the Ohio County Broadband Committee told the fiscal court on May 20 they were monitoring a federal legislative threat to broadband funding that could slow or stop planned rural expansion.
A committee member reported that the Broadband Committee had reached out to Charter Communications (Spectrum) to ask whether proposed federal action could halt projects in the county. The member said the broadband expansion funding that supports much of the county’s rural rollout likely comes from federal sources tied to a congressional bill concerning digital equity and broadband expansion, and that removal of that funding could “absolutely positively kill” planned rural projects.
Court members said they planned to contact the county’s senators and representatives and to follow up with Charter to determine the source and stability of project funding. One committee member also reported being scheduled for an installation appointment and encouraged residents in parts of the county to check for connection availability as the rollout proceeds.
The court did not take formal action beyond directing staff and committee members to continue outreach and to report back if funding or project timelines change.
