Press Release: Alabama’s Digital Divide: A Call to Action for High-Speed Internet Access
By State Sen. Bobby Singleton
Alabama is at a pivotal juncture in addressing the pervasive digital divide, particularly in the Black Belt region. While urban centers benefit from high-speed internet, many rural residents lack access to essential digital resources. This disparity hampers education, healthcare, and economic development opportunities.
To combat this issue, the Alabama Fiber Network (AFN) is spearheading the development of the state’s first “middle-mile” infrastructure, aimed at connecting all 67 counties. This initiative, backed by Governor Kay Ivey and endorsed across party lines, is a transformative project designed to enhance our state’s digital landscape. The middle-mile network will link fiber internet to local “last-mile” providers, ensuring households gain reliable access to high-speed service.
Key benefits of AFN’s network include:
-
Enhanced Education: Providing students with access to critical online learning tools and resources, thereby leveling the educational playing field for all.
-
Revolutionized Healthcare: Enabling telehealth services for remote consultations, significantly improving access to medical care in underserved areas.
- Economic Development: Creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive and innovate, attracting jobs and investment back to our communities.
Achieving this ambitious goal requires unified efforts from community leaders, including elected officials and local organizations. By collaborating, we can overcome obstacles and expedite the rollout of this vital infrastructure.
As AFN continues its expansion, it’s crucial for communities to embrace and support this initiative. Investing in the statewide fiber network is an investment in Alabama’s future—empowering rural communities, fostering job creation, and ensuring that all residents can succeed in the digital age.
Let us work together to connect Alabama and bridge the digital divide once and for all.
Senator Bobby Singleton represents Greensboro and serves as a member of the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority.
Source
Photo credit aldailynews.com