Rural utility cooperatives effective in supporting broadband access

The Daily Yonder reports on a study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance that examined the role that locally owned utility cooperatives can play in supporting broadband access in rural places. Currently, co-ops are already responsible for 42% of maintained electric distribution lines. They also note that while larger internet service providers often overlook rural places, local co-ops are well equipped to provide internet access. Authors list possible public policy actions, such as expanding existing co-ops rather than creating new ones, that some states like North Carolina have already implemented successfully. #covid-19 #rural