The Nebraska Broadband Office held a public hearing to discuss the future of internet access in the state. State Sen. Bruce Bostelman highlighted the critical need for high-speed internet in rural areas, where residents rely on satellite or mobile hotspots for connectivity. The main barrier to expanding broadband access is cost, according to Patrick Haggerty, the Nebraska State Broadband director. To address this issue, the state created the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program, which administers over $400 million in federal support to subsidize broadband projects. Haggerty’s office aims to connect 70,000 unserved or underserved customers to high-speed internet by 2029. Bostelman stressed the importance of internet access for economic growth and retaining young people in Nebraska. The state faces challenges in providing connectivity due to the rural nature of many areas, where houses are miles apart. Overall, the Nebraska Broadband Office is optimistic about the progress being made to improve internet access statewide.
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