Powering Broadband Expansion & Equity in Rural Communities

September 22, 2025

Wooden spool with fiber optic cable for fast internet ready to be laid in narrow trenches in the ground on a meadow, infrastructure expansion in the countryside

In bridging the digital divide in rural areas, there’s a natural connection between broadband and electric cooperatives. This mirrors their historic mission from the 1930s, when for-profit electric companies found it too expensive to bring electricity to remote farms. Today, it’s not profitable to bring high-speed internet to rural areas for the same reasons. In rural areas, houses can be miles apart, compared to the density of cities and suburbs, where hundreds or thousands of people can be served in a relatively compact area. Cue the electric co-ops. Just as farmers and community members formed electric co-ops to bring electricity to their communities, electric co-ops have been helping to bring broadband to rural areas.

Advocacy & Funding

One of the most crucial ways electric co-ops can help bring high-speed internet to underserved communities in rural areas is through their advocacy efforts. Policymakers and legislators consider electric co-ops a trusted voice representing the needs of the communities they serve. With federal and state funding available, such as the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD), electric co-ops have successfully secured grants and loans to bring broadband to rural areas. Local leaders run electric co-ops, and decisions made by co-op leadership reflect the needs of the communities they serve because these leaders work and live in the co-op’s territory. Co-ops are mission-driven organizations, not driven by profits. So, when electric co-ops represent the interests of their communities on Capitol Hill and in statehouses, they have credibility in making the case for their communities.

Technical Expertise & Infrastructure

Utilities, especially electric co-ops, have the knowledge and technical expertise to serve as a valuable resource for broadband companies. They are familiar with the challenges and terrain of rural areas. After all, they’ve already installed the poles and underground wire system to bring electricity to rural communities. Many utilities have the infrastructure in place, including connecting to the middle mile, which can help broadband companies span the last mile to reach their customers.

An internet technician is repairing or maintaining a fiber optic connection by opening a fiber optic connector. — Co-op crews apply their knowledge of local terrain and infrastructure to make rural broadband possible.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Broadband utilities can leverage the existing fiber infrastructure established by electric companies and co-ops. In many instances, the electric utilities have partnered with or created a broadband subsidiary to serve their customers. This creates an additional revenue stream for the utility.

Added Benefits of Partnership

In addition to bringing the obvious benefits (telehealth, enhanced learning potential, and economic opportunity) to rural communities, high-speed internet also benefits the utility by enhancing grid resilience and efficiency through real-time monitoring, thereby improving operational efficiency and the advanced metering infrastructure. It also allows integration of renewable energy into the fuel mix.

Male teacher helping schoolchildren in a research work using digital tablet in classroom. Three elementary school pupils working on digital tablet at desk while talking to teacher. Classmates in class using technology for studying with the assistance of teacher at elementary school. — High-speed internet opens new doors for rural students, giving them access to digital tools that enhance learning and create equal opportunities for the future.

Economic Equity

When electricity was introduced to farms in rural communities in the 1930s, it was recognized as a vital component of economic equality and opportunity. In 2024, the FCC reclassified broadband as an essential utility, acknowledging that it carries the same crucial element in today’s connected world. Connectivity is necessary, not optional, and is the next layer in essential and equitable infrastructure. Just as electricity was a driver for economic development in rural areas in the first half of the twentieth century, high-speed internet is a similar driver in underserved communities. And, once again, electric co-ops are stepping up to help ensure economic equity and prosperity for the communities they serve.