From Reedley to Mendota, rural residents need better connections to the internet | Opinion
In Fresno County, there is a growing need for education, health care, and access to government services, especially in our rural areas. High-speed broadband can address these pressing issues, providing opportunities such as distance learning, telehealth and access to state and local government notifications, emergency alerts and websites.
Furthermore, the future of economic growth in California’s rural communities is dependent on having access to a reliable broadband network. Yet building modern broadband networks, particularly in rural areas, requires significant funding and investment in the form of fiber optic cables, skilled technicians, and complex construction and engineering resources.
The state and federal government have provided billions in grant funding; however, the progress of closing the digital divide still faces headwinds from outdated regulatory requirements.
Opinion
Last March, AT&T submitted an application to the California Public Utilities Commission that, if approved, would modernize AT&T’s regulatory obligation under California law. As part of the public process, the CPUC is gathering public input about AT&T’s applications, and it has scheduled public participation hearings in February and March, including one in Clovis on Feb. 6. As a community leader, I encourage public participation as part of this process.
As a Fresno County supervisor working on digital divide issues, this process is critical because the future success of California’s rural communities depends on updated telecommunications infrastructure. The need of the hour is a policy overhaul that enables service providers to invest in modern technology, creating equal opportunities for all Californians in accessing the benefits of online services.
Redirecting private resources from maintaining antiquated copper wires to providing broadband could significantly propel the state toward achieving universal broadband service. The transition from legacy networks to modern technology is imperative to harness the full spectrum of benefits and level the playing field for all communities.
The benefits of such a transition extend far beyond mere connectivity; they encompass vital social and economic advancements, particularly important in an era with increasing remote work, telehealth, video calls, cloud services and online learning.
The time is now for more efficient and future-proof infrastructure, and it’s imperative that our state align its policies with the rapidly advancing technological landscape and support connecting California’s rural communities to broadband.
Nathan Magsig is chairman of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. He represents Clovis and Sierra communities in District 5.
