States have widely different track records on expanding broadband internet access. Here are the ones that could struggle to handle the federal funds coming their way.
Smart cities promise a shining future, but without deliberate efforts to include underserved communities they can worsen the digital divide.
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Hernán Galperin, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act designates broadband internet access as an essential service and targets billions of dollars to close the digital divide.
President Joe Biden speaks about the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 on Feb. 22, 2021 in Washington, D.C.
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The federal government sent a lot of money to states to help with an anticipated COVID-related economic downturn. Turns out, states did not need that much money – but they may spend it anyway.