High-speed internet is integral to daily activities, but access to adequate, reliable broadband is not equally distributed across Guilford Count. COVID-19 disrupted every aspect of life for residents. As daily activities migrated to a virtual environment, those with inadequate or no access were excluded from essential connections, potentially exacerbating inequities. The county conducted a comprehensive stakeholder engagement campaign and broadband analysis to better the needs of residents.
The following strategic moves are recommended to target the factors that contribute to digital inequity and increase accessibility county-wide.
Tab/Accordion Items
- Centralize oversight for strategy execution.
- Provide hub for partnerships, data-sharing, communication, and community engagement.
- Reduce barriers to broadband infrastructure buildout in areas that lack adequate internet access.
- Increase consumer choice, market competition, and network resilience.
- Validate gaps and needs.
- Provide proof-of-concepts for future grant applications that can be replicated elsewhere.
- Collective action to provide greater flexibility for local governments in meeting constituents’ connectivity needs.
- Provides an avenue to jump-start public and private investment to parts of the county where ISP investment has fallen short.