If coronavirus has shown one thing, we all need high-speed internet access to survive in a time when everyone is stuck at home. Unfortunately, 18 million Americans don't.
It's an amazing number, especially when you consider the importance of online access for work, school, and almost every facet of our lives. Broadband access is just as important as running water or electricity, even if it's nowhere near available.
For more of that
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The problem spans different groups of Farmers in Iowa, where it is too costly for service providers to networkto impoverished families in Manhattan Who can't afford internet service.
It's a problem practically everyone agrees to solve - even when no one can agree on a solution.
The Daily Charge podcast addresses this issue in a six-part series of podcasts in which we interview industry experts and executives to discuss their perspectives on tackling the digital divide.
Episode 1: How did we get here?Maggie Reardon, Senior Reporter and Regulatory Expert at CNET, sets the stage with a look at the past problems and regulatory maneuvers that created the void we see today.
Episode 2: why it's still a problem.Bruce Mehlman, Chair of the Internet Innovation Alliance, discusses some of the political, regulatory, and technical hurdles we are facing today. (Tomorrow)
Episode 3: A Look at the National Broadband Plan.Blair Levin, who was executive director responsible for creating the National Broadband Plan under the Obama administration, explains what has changed since his debut in 2010. (26th of August)
Episode 4: What About Wireless?Kyle Malady, Verizon's chief technology officer, explains the role of cell phones in bringing more people to the Internet. (August 27th)
Episode 5: is 5G the answer?Qualcomm's Dean Brenner, senior vice president of spectrum strategy and technology policy, and Alice Tornquist, vice president of government affairs, discuss how 5G fits into the solution. (August 28th)
Episode 6: How do we get out of this jam?Morgan Kurk, chief technology officer at infrastructure provider Commscope, explains how current technology can help bridge the gap, but how the political hurdles remain to be overcome. (29th August)
