Updates to internet infrastructure needed nationwide

(NATIONAL) The phrase living in the digital age took on new meaning over the last two years. It's been an ebb and flow of in-person and online events, with little likelihood of things returning to how they were pre-pandemic and reliable internet access a must-have for both work and education. 

"What may have been considered as an amenity or a luxury is really now a requirement and it's got to work reliably," said Bill Knapp, the Vice President of Business Development at Stellar Broadband. 

Knapp says that's why the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed late last year and includes $65 billion for broadband internet access is so important.

"Many parts of the infrastructure are aging and consequently, the performance, the throughput, etc. it's to its detriment," said Knapp. "When you're off the grid, we don't have a lot of tolerance. We don't have a lot of patience for that anymore. We need to feel like we are connected every minute of the day or whenever I want it, it's got to be available." 

Unfortunately, Knapp says that money to update internet infrastructure across the U.S. won't be available to local internet service providers and governments until sometime next year. 

Once the funds are released, about 65 percent of the funds will go toward the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, to help states expand internet access and make it more available for underserved areas. 

According to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) all 50 states met the July deadline of confirming their intent to participate. 

Knapp says the BEAD program will help with the construction of Fiber Internet, what he calls the future of internet technology.  

"Whether in the ground or on the polls, so there's a number of programs that will outfit what they call anchor institutions for libraries, schools, universities, etc. to be able to create these, call them internet cafes for lack of a better word I guess, and then also training and helping people to learn how to use the network better," Knapp said.

And it's not just about building the infrastructure for better internet connection, but also making it affordable for everyone. 

Knapp says the Affordable Connectivity program, a $14 billion dollar program, is designed to make internet access more accessible by reducing the cost. 

A household with an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level is eligible to receive $30 off their internet bill each month. 

More reliable and affordable internet for families means more economic development for communities. 

"This is the difference between someone moving in," Knapp said. "Whether that be an individual, when they're home, or a company for that matter. I would say even especially a company, because that's one of the first questions that will be asked, 'how's the internet here?'"

Knapp said it will be important for local governments and Internet Service Providers to work together to maximize funding for updates and expanded access to underserved areas. 

He told us Stellar Broadband has already been talking with the Grand Rapids Economic Development Department and organizations like "The Right Place" regarding future plans.

"Those conversations need to keep going to be able to build those partnerships so that those municipalities have when they apply what we call a shovel ready project," said Knapp. "What we're hearing from the federal government, the NTIA, and the Department of Commerce is those partnerships developed in advance are going to be so important because it demonstrates to the government who is doing the funding that you are distributing the funds that there has been thought put into."

Knapp says the funds for broadband will first be distributed to the states, who will then decide which municipalities and Internet Service Providers qualify to receive them.

In Michigan, the Michigan High Speed Internet Office will assess grant applications to determine who gets the funds.

VNN Michigan will be taking a greater look at the need for reliable and accessible internet access here locally in the coming weeks.