The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click . This episode is sponsored by and .
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine sits down with Brad Randall, the editor of Broadband Communities and Chair of Broadband Communities West, to discuss broadband expansion and the upcoming Broadband Communities West conference in San Diego. The conversation covers the current state of broadband deployment, the unique challenges faced by western U.S. states, and how this new conference is set to provide valuable solutions and networking opportunities for industry professionals.
This episode offers a peek into the rapidly evolving broadband landscape, the significance of rural access, and the role of government and private sector collaboration in achieving the goal of universal connectivity. Let’s explore the key themes and takeaways from this engaging discussion.
Broadband Communities West: A New Event for the Western States
The Broadband Communities West conference, taking place on October 30-31, 2024, in San Diego, California, marks the first time Broadband Communities has held an event dedicated to addressing the specific needs of the western U.S. broadband market. Brad Randall explains the reasoning behind launching this new event, emphasizing the challenges many West Coast professionals face in attending the Broadband Communities Summit held annually in Houston.
“There’s a lot happening in the western states when it comes to broadband deployment, and it’s a lot different from the dynamics in the center and eastern parts of the country,” Randall states. This regional focus is critical because states like California, with its vast rural areas and geographically diverse terrain, face unique challenges that differ from the more densely populated eastern states.
The decision to hold the event in San Diego was not just about convenience but also a reflection of the growing importance of the West Coast in the national broadband conversation. Western states, particularly California, are undergoing significant broadband developments due to the influx of federal BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) funds and state-level investments.
Challenges of Broadband Deployment in the West
One of the central themes of the podcast is the complex set of challenges that come with expanding broadband access in the western United States. California, for instance, has received $1.86 billion in BEAD funding, one of the largest allocations in the country. But as Randall points out, “The size of the state and its many rural areas make it a particularly challenging place to deploy broadband infrastructure.”
The geographical size of western states means that broadband deployment often involves tackling vast and sparsely populated areas. This is a stark contrast to states like Massachusetts, where a three-hour drive can take you through multiple densely populated areas. In California, that same drive might keep you within the boundaries of a single county, with limited infrastructure along the way.
These challenges are compounded by the fact that broadband deployment in rural areas is more expensive due to the distance and lack of existing infrastructure. For example, Randall mentions the town of Coalinga in southwestern Fresno County, which is only now receiving broadband access for the first time, covering over 4,800 addresses.
The Importance of State and Tribal Collaboration
In addition to rural broadband challenges, Randall highlights the vital role that state governments and tribal organizations play in expanding broadband access in the West. California’s state government has taken an ambitious approach to broadband planning, investing heavily in middle-mile infrastructure to bridge the gap between federal funding and local needs.
“California has been very ambitious with their broadband planning,” Randall says, noting the state’s middle-mile development initiatives led by the California Public Utilities Commission. This state-level investment is critical in helping unserved and underserved communities connect to the internet, especially those that federal programs may overlook.
Tribal communities also play a significant role in broadband expansion, particularly in the western U.S., where many of these communities are located. Tribal lands often represent some of the most disconnected regions in the country. Randall notes that tribal leaders have been instrumental in the Internet for All initiative, and there are specific provisions in the BEAD program aimed at supporting broadband deployment on tribal lands.
One of the key speakers at Broadband Communities West will be Joe Valandra, CEO of Tribal Ready, who will provide insight into how tribal communities are working to close the digital divide. Tribal communities have unique challenges, including cultural and logistical considerations, but they also present significant opportunities for broadband providers to engage with underserved populations.
The Role of Conferences in Shaping Broadband Policy
A key takeaway from Randall’s discussion is the importance of conferences like Broadband Communities West in shaping the future of broadband policy and deployment strategies. These events provide a platform for government officials, industry leaders, and community representatives to share knowledge, collaborate on solutions, and build networks that drive real-world impact.
The Broadband Communities West conference will feature over 150 speakers, including a diverse range of voices from state government officials, tribal leaders, network operators, property developers, and more. Randall emphasizes the importance of these gatherings in fostering a collaborative environment where attendees can learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
“It’s one thing to read a news article and Google questions online. It’s another thing to hear a professional who’s facing the same exact challenges as you,” Randall says. This peer-to-peer learning experience is invaluable for attendees, especially as the broadband industry faces ongoing regulatory changes and technological advancements.
In addition to keynote speeches and panel discussions, the conference will offer extensive networking opportunities, allowing attendees to engage with experts in a one-on-one setting. These informal conversations often provide some of the most actionable insights for industry professionals, as they can address specific issues and challenges in their communities or businesses.
Key Agenda Themes: Technology, Strategy, and Community Development
The Broadband Communities West conference will center around five main themes: strategy, technology, operations, real estate, and community development. These themes reflect the broad range of issues that impact broadband deployment, from the technical aspects of building out infrastructure to the social and economic challenges of ensuring digital equity for all communities.
One of the conference’s key areas of focus will be the challenges and opportunities associated with California’s rural broadband deployment. Speakers will address the state’s middle-mile development and the recent cuts to the middle-mile program, which have sparked debate over whether the reductions will disproportionately impact unserved communities.
Another important topic will be the housing market’s influence on broadband deployment. Randall references a recent article he wrote about California’s changing housing landscape, highlighting how single-family home builds are increasing while multifamily builds are declining. This shift has significant implications for broadband providers, as single-family homes often require more extensive infrastructure investment compared to denser multifamily developments.
The conference will also feature speakers from a wide array of backgrounds, including Kim McKinley, Chief Marketing Officer of UTOPIA Fiber, and Thomas Tyler, Deputy Director of Connect LA. These experts will provide insights into how broadband providers can navigate regulatory challenges, deploy innovative technologies, and work with local governments to accelerate broadband deployment.
Broadband as a Tool for Social and Economic Transformation
At the heart of the podcast episode is a discussion about broadband’s role as a transformative tool for social and economic development. Randall, who has covered the broadband industry extensively, shares stories from the COVID-19 pandemic about children in rural areas driving miles to McDonald’s just to access Wi-Fi for schoolwork. These stories illustrate the profound impact that broadband access—or the lack thereof—can have on people’s lives.
“It’s become a passion for me,” Randall says of his work in broadband journalism. “How can you have a country that aspires to be everything we want to be without a connected population?”
The Broadband Communities West conference aims to address these disparities by bringing together the people and organizations that can make a difference. Whether it’s through state-level policy initiatives, tribal partnerships, or private-sector investments, the goal is to ensure that every community, no matter how remote or underserved, has access to reliable, high-speed internet.
As the Broadband Communities West conference approaches, Randall encourages anyone involved in broadband deployment to attend. The event will provide a wealth of information, networking opportunities, and actionable insights that can help drive broadband expansion in the western United States and beyond.
For those unable to attend in person, Broadband Communities will continue to provide digital coverage of the key takeaways from the conference. Whether you’re an industry professional, government official, or community advocate, there will be plenty of opportunities to engage with the insights and knowledge shared at the event.
To learn more about the event and register for Broadband Communities West, visit bbcmag.com.
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