Despite Billions in Public Funding, Rural Broadband Still Lags

The video discusses the challenges faced by Caroline Roskam, a teacher in rural Maryland, due to lack of high-speed internet. It highlights the digital divide affecting families and the inefficacy of government efforts to expand broadband access. Despite federal funding, many communities remain underserved due to flawed data and lack of accountability. The FCC's inaccurate broadband maps overstate service availability, impacting funding eligibility. The video emphasizes the internet's importance as an essential service and the need for improved data to close the digital divide.

What is the main issue faced by Caroline Roskam and her family?

• Limited access to healthcare

• Unreliable internet connectivity

• Lack of access to clean water

• Frequent power outages

What is the digital divide as discussed in the video?

• A gap in television access

• A gap between urban and rural education levels

• A disparity in internet access between different areas

• A difference in mobile phone usage

According to the video, why is the FCC's broadband data considered flawed?

• It overstates the availability of broadband connections

• It underestimates the number of internet users

• It does not include mobile data usage

• It only focuses on urban areas

What is one reason companies fail to expand broadband access as promised?

• Lack of demand for internet services

• Inadequate government oversight and accountability

• Limited technological advancements

• High costs of internet infrastructure

What initiative has the FCC launched to address broadband data issues?

• The National Broadband Plan

• The Broadband Data Task Force

• The Internet Expansion Initiative

• The Digital Connectivity Program