Broadband continues to be a challenge for underserved areas

The FCC had set new goals for what actually constituted high speed broadband Internet - 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up. The goals were higher for schools and libraries and pretty much required fiber connections. This presented a challenge for many rural and underserved urban areas but it was also an aspirational goal. And as there was some federal money available through E-rate and other sources to help with fiber build out costs, we were seeing some improvements in bandwidth particularly to schools. And once the fiber is in a community, it can reach other anchor institutions, and eventually business and home users.

Now, with a new administration and new leadership at the FCC, they're reassessing these goals and whether or not fiber or even cable is really necessary. Perhaps cellular at slower speeds will be sufficient.

Rather than Expanding Broadband, the FCC Wants to Count Cell Service as Internet

There was no mention in the paper of libraries. But we can probably assume they're not a priority. The FCC needs to hear from people who will be impacted by this decision. Is your cell phone good enough for your Internet access needs?