Concord Ledger

Concord, N.H. — On May 2, 2023, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) hosted a roundtable with local leaders and advocates on the state of rural broadband in New Hampshire and what comes next for development. During the event, the group discussed how funds from the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package have improved access in New Hampshire and how to best continue that progress. 

“From small businesses operating online to patients using telehealth, families in rural communities across New Hampshire increasingly rely on broadband in their daily lives,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Package set our country on a path to closing the digital divide, but our work is not done. Thank you to everyone who joined this discussion today to highlight how the federal and state government can work together to ensure every Granite Stater can access and afford these critical services.”

"Everywhere I go across my district, small businesses and hardworking families talk about the importance of having access to high-speed internet,” said Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington. “Whether it is for school, work, health care, commerce, or more, our society relies on sustained access to quality internet services. The Executive Council recently approved the expenditure of $90 million to bring service to nearly 50,000 previously unserved or underserved locations across the most rural parts of our state’s 10 counties. Our work is not done, but we are making all the steps in the right direction and I am glad to be having this conversation today." 

“High-speed internet isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity,” said Christina FitzPatrick, New Hampshire State Director, AARP. “It helps older Americans avoid isolation and remain independent as they age. We need to remember that for them to take full advantage of technology and its benefits, they will need training.”

“Rural areas such as Southwest New Hampshire have waited for broadband improvements to address quality of life and economic competitiveness,” said Henry Underwood, GIS Specialist and Planner, Southwest Region Planning Commission. “It’s going to take a sustained team effort on behalf of local governments, funders, providers, businesses, and others to first improve broadband access and then ensure businesses and others use it to its full potential.”

“Consolidated Communications is all in on the expansion of broadband. Since 2021, Consolidated Communications has upgraded over 244,000 New Hampshire homes and businesses with fiber to the premise broadband service,” said Sarah Davis-Vice President of Government Affairs. “The capital projects fund money made available by the federal government will allow our company to expand further into more rural and unserved areas of the state. We are thankful for the leadership of our federal delegation, including Rep. Kuster, and look forward to bringing state of the art broadband service to more New Hampshire residents.”

Kuster, a Member of the bipartisan Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus, is a strong advocate for expanding rural broadband access. Kuster has helped secure millions of dollars for New Hampshire to support the development of affordable internet services.

Original source can be found here.