Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration are questioning a major $42 billion infrastructure program aimed at providing high-speed internet to every American. This initiative, known as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, was introduced as part of former President Joe Biden’s infrastructure law in 2021.
Republican leaders argue that the program has been slow to start, with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mentioning a need for a “rigorous review” due to what he describes as “woke mandates.” On the other hand, Democrats believe that pausing the program could lead to further delays in connecting underserved areas, where access to high-speed internet is crucial for services like telehealth.
Research shows the urgency of this issue: nearly 3 million people in over 200 rural counties struggle with poor internet access. This lack of connectivity can prevent them from accessing telehealth services, which are vital for managing health conditions, especially in areas with limited healthcare facilities. Many of these “dead zone” counties are located in regions like Appalachia and the rural South, where residents generally face worse health outcomes than the national average.
According to a 2023 report from the Federal Communications Commission, about 19 million Americans still lack broadband access, underscoring the importance of this program. Experts like Nestoras Mathioudakis, an endocrinologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, note that reliable internet can dramatically improve diabetes management and other health conditions.
Reflecting on past initiatives, Trump’s first administration had emphasized telehealth as a significant component in improving rural healthcare back in September 2020. The term “telehealth” was mentioned over 90 times in their plans. This shows a shift in political attitudes towards remote health services, recognizing their potential role in bridging gaps in healthcare access.
In upcoming coverage, we’ll visit some of these underserved areas to explore how the lack of internet affects daily life and health. For example, Barbara Williams, a resident of Greene County, Alabama, is managing her diabetes without a dependable internet connection—a challenge that could significantly impact her health outcomes.
For more on digital access issues, check out the Digital Divide Council for in-depth discussions on bridging the internet gap in America.
Check out this related article: Examining the Challenges Facing Paul McKee’s Struggling Health Center: Is There Hope for Renewal?
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