Rural Americans are in the digital darkness. Fortunately, our electrical cooperatives are once again positioned to bring technology into rural Pennsylvania.
As many residents of Pennsylvania are aware, quality high-speed internet service is somewhat elusive. This affects leisure activities, commerce building activities, new health care technologies, educational opportunities and the ability to adopt emerging energy management technology into homes and businesses. These are very important matters for the 3.4 million rural Pennsylvanians.
For over 75 years electric cooperatives have enhanced the life and economy of 56 percent of our national population. The cooperatives were initiated as part of FDR’s New Deal to provide electrical service to rural communities that were underserved by electric companies.
As with electric services, the largest hurdle to bringing fiber optic cables to rural consumers is the high cost of doing so. Which is why large telecom companies are disinterested in serving rural communities. The electric cooperatives are in a unique position to provide fiber optic internet service since fiber is easily integrated with the co-ops’ existing line infrastructure.
To close the digital divide for the 34 million Americans who lack broadband, some federal assistance is needed. President Trump’s infrastructure proposal and the Farm Bill are two opportunities to help secure finances for closing the digital divide.
The rural electrical cooperatives are working hard to ensure that rural residents can utilize the same broadband benefits that urban residents enjoy. They are generating creative solutions to service problems and are actively working with state and federal legislators.
During the post-election season, I urge us all to seek out our legislators’ views and track records on this important matter. This is the time to attend town hall meetings and become educated on your elected officials’ viewpoints on this important issue.
Lanette Dixon-Sheesley
Vintondale
