Kathryn de Wit, Project Director, Broadband Access Initiative, at The Pew Charitable Trusts spoke about the 2021 Infrastructure Bill effort to expand high-speed internet access nationwide, and the real-world challenges shaping its rollout, from funding delays and policy shifts to the risk of investing in outdated technology.
Louisiana stood out as a strong example, completing its network build in just four years and showing what’s possible when planning and execution align.
The conversation also underscored a key but often overlooked factor: workforce readiness. Expanding broadband at scale requires not just funding and fiber, but enough skilled labor to meet demand.
Ultimately, the discussion centered on the importance of state-level expertise, long-term sustainability, and ensuring affordable, reliable internet access remains the foundation for economic opportunity moving forward.
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