A 21st Century economy requires good access to the Internet and electronic information. For Iowa to thrive, we must increase access to broadband throughout the state.
Broadband– or high-speed Internet– is an educational and economic tool for Iowans and businesses. It is a building block for a high quality of life, but it isn’t available in all parts of the state. According to a survey from Connect Iowa, 71 percent of Iowa households have adopted broadband but only 47 percent can actually access broadband at high speed (50 Mbps). For low-income households, rural Iowans and senior citizens, access to high-speed Internet is even lower. About 23,000 businesses in Iowa are not using high-speed Internet services.
That’s why legislation is moving forward to expand broadband in Iowa. Senate File 461 encourages the expansion of high-speed Internet with property tax exemptions and a new grant program. Grants will go to communication service providers who make broadband available where it is needed most. In addition, the bill creates a new initiative for the installation of fiber whenever a state-funded construction project involves trenching roadway or alongside any state-owned infrastructure.