What is BEAD?

The government has decided to invest a whopping $42.45 billion dollars towards providing high-speed internet funding throughout the country. This grant program, being the largest in history, will aid in affording high-speed internet to Americans by building infrastructure, funding research, collecting data, and providing training to workers around the country. The grant includes all 50 states and 5 territories, with a focus on underserved locations that lack the resources to access high speed internet. Spanning a 5-year planning and 4-year implementation period, the ultimate goal of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program is to grant Americans access to high-speed internet by 2032.

Why be Excited About High-Speed Internet?

We are ecstatic for the impact that this program will have on communities, particularly those without exposure to stable connections. Access to high-speed internet will provide a multitude of resources, creating a world of opportunities for Americans all over the country! These are some of the monumental ways this grant could significantly impact basic livelihoods:

• High speed internet allows access to educational resources that will in turn amplify learning. Especially throughout the pandemic, online education has become an invaluable asset to many students around the world. Numerous institutions have implemented a hybrid system of learning, which includes in-person as well as remote classes. Without access to high-speed internet, students will find it difficult to adequately participate in courses that require stable internet connections, thus hindering the ability to learn. Furthermore, the ability to participate in online curriculums allows for those with disabilities to take full advantage of these resources. Physical access to a school is not always feasible, so having a stable and effective internet connection is a must!
• The better the internet, the more abundant the jobs! Not only have we seen an increase in remote education since the pandemic, but remote jobs have also proliferated throughout the country. Because of this, maintaining a reliable internet connection is essential for those who work from home. Additionally, for those looking to work remotely, this would mean more job openings that don’t require physical assertion. The more that companies transition into a remote work environment, the more necessary it will be to have access to high-speed internet.
• Access to high-speed internet also means an improvement in the health-care industry. With telehealth becoming more profuse, patients are now able to conduct their appointments virtually. This not only presents a major convenience for those who can’t commute to hospitals, but it also results in shorter wait times and quicker diagnostics. Without the insertion of high-speed internet access, it would be difficult to receive the healthcare we all deserve.

With this exciting new development, we get a step closer to ensuring proper independence and equity in our communities. As the industry standard in fiber optic tools, Jonard aims to take the lead in creating a world where high-speed internet is no longer a hot commodity, but instead an essential part of every household!