U.S. Commits $42B to Help Close Digital Divide. But is it Enough? NTCA’s Shirley Bloomfield Explains Artwork

Coffee with Closers

Coffee with Closers is a podcast created by a team of public relations professionals at Pinkston in Washington, DC. From media personalities, to pioneers in healthcare and disruptors in business, we talk to some of America’s most interesting people who tell interesting stories.

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U.S. Commits $42B to Help Close Digital Divide. But is it Enough? NTCA’s Shirley Bloomfield Explains

July 13, 2023 • Pinkston • Season 2 • Episode 14

Joining us on this week’s episode of Coffee with Closers is Shirley Bloomfield, the CEO of NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, which represents approximately 850 independent, community based telecommunications companies across the country through advocacy, education and training.

With $42 billion having been allocated to expand high-speed internet access across the U.S, she explains why this historic funding provides a unique opportunity to help connect more Americans, especially in rural parts of the country, but only if the job is done right.

She also discusses some of the hurdles that still stand in the way of achieving “Internet for All” and what steps policymakers and industry stakeholders can take to help remove them.