The digital divide

More than ever, access to broadband is as essential as heat and electricity. Businesses, schools, libraries, government agencies, courts, farms, and homes all operate on the internet. COVID-19 has only increased our need to connect.

As COVID-19 has catapulted us into a new digital reality, many New Yorkers have been left out. A large part of this unserved and underserved population is located in rural areas and urban city centers. Without broadband, workers have been unable to file for unemployment, patients have remained isolated from critical check-ups, and students have resorted to library parking lots to participate in any learning. There are many such inequalities.

Although the state has invested over $500 million in expanding broadband under the Governor’s leadership, significant disparities still exist. While the Broadband Program Office claims that 99 percent of New Yorkers have access, Microsoft reports that as many as 8.7 million New Yorkers are not sufficiently served. The network of satellites and copper wires result in chronic spotty service and slow speeds, when they work at all. Fiber is the preferred, but elusive, method of delivery.

Companies have avoided fiber due to its high cost. Charter Communications, or Spectrum, recently filed a petition asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow it to exclude some unserved areas in order to obtain $20.4 billion from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). Unfortunately, the FCC has already placed a growing number of areas at a disadvantage by blocking funds from census blocks that have received other government funding. Additionally, the FCC considers a census tract served if only one home in that tract is served. This is not accurate or reflective of the situation.

An audit by the State Comptroller found that Charter failed to expand its rural broadband service as agreed upon, including extending its network to an additional 145,000 underserved businesses and residents. If Charter’s waiver is granted by the FCC, a significant number of households will continue to not be served. This is unacceptable.

As Chair of the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, I have made broadband a top priority for the current legislative session. On September 17, 2019, the Commission hosted a hearing on rural broadband. The Senate has also introduced several pieces of legislation: S.5523 establishes a municipal broadband fund that would give grants to local governments for broadband projects and services, S.7229 allows localities to establish municipal broadband services, and S.5696 requires the Public Service Commission to review broadband services statewide. I urge my colleagues to improve broadband access in all cities, suburbs, and rural communities.

As we look to “reimagine” daily life after COVID-19, we must secure universal and equal access to broadband. Currently, telemedicine and tele-education are not feasible in large swaths of the state. As courts start to tackle their dockets, document e-filing will not be possible in a majority of jurisdictions. Every New Yorker must have access to reliable, high-speed internet. It is vital for our economy, education, and daily lives.

Rachel May