Nebraska Department of Economic Development:: Broadband access critical to small communities

Broadband access is critical in today’s world.

Nebraska’s Rural Broadband Remote Access Grant program, using $40 million in CARES Act funds, has helped deploy high-speed internet to the state’s smaller communities.

Appreciating the importance of connectivity has been a silver lining of the pandemic, Nichole Reiner, chief strategy officer for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, told the Grand Island Noon Rotary Club on Tuesday.

“It’s no longer about checking your email or streaming Netflix. It is livelihoods,” Reiner said. “It is precision agriculture. If a bank closes, your loan officer can work from home. Your kids pay for college and can attend online if the college has to close.”

Read full article.