Broadband, typically referring to high speed internet, is linked to many economic benefits, including attracting business, increasing incomes, and expanding opportunities for education and telemedicine. In Missouri, approximately 15% of households lack broadband connections.1 In order to overcome financial and technological barriers to deploying broadband, many states and localities have developed strategies to increase access and adoption of broadband, including community planning processes, grants and other financial incentives, and regulatory changes.
Highlights
- Hardware costs and lack of access to financing have been identified as the main barriers to broadband development projects.
- Rural and low-income households are less likely than urban or high-income households to have reliable access to broadband in Missouri.
- Engaging local communities in planning can identify broadband needs and assets.
- States can incentivize broadband deployment with grants, tax incentives, and removal of potential legal obstacles.
Limitations
- Implementation success varies depending on local factors such as geography, financial resources, and population density.
- Research is limited on the degree to which grants and other efforts increase broadband accessibility and adoption.
This Note has been updated. You can access the previous version (published February 2021) here.
