Connecting America Through Broadband Expansion

A look at the progress that has been made since 2020 – and the challenges that still lie ahead.

The Impact of Inadequate Broadband Infrastructure

In early 2020, the pandemic brought life as we knew it to a grinding stop, putting a spotlight on the importance of having access to high-speed connectivity in our day-to-day living. As many of us had to quickly transition online for learning, work, healthcare, economic development, entertainment, social interactions, civic involvement, shopping and government services, it became apparent there were vast numbers of people in our country that still lacked a reliable, high-speed internet connection.

This shift to online access for many of our day-to-day interactions was even more challenging to those living in unserved or underserved areas where lack of broadband brought significant challenges and disadvantages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates as of January 2021², there were 3.8 million households with school age children who rarely or never had internet access in their homes. This lack of, or limited access to digital opportunities often can leave students at a learning disadvantage, cause lower test scores, have an impact on college admissions and affect future career opportunities.

Barriers to Broadband Expansion

While there were still urban areas that did not have adequate broadband coverage, many of the unserved or underserved households were in areas with rough terrain, with sparse populations, or where there were adverse weather conditions. All these factors made it hard for internet service providers to justify the cost of deploying broadband to those living there.

Funding to Unlock Broadband Access

The pandemic intensified pressure on the government to provide funding opportunities aimed at closing the digital divide and expanding broadband initiatives. Working quickly to accelerate funding for broadband expansion, federal and state legislators passed the historic Infrastructure Investment Bill and American Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021. This legislation provided $65 billion for broadband infrastructure investments and to address digital inequity. At the same time, various other federal, state and local funding programs were made available for broadband infrastructure funding, as well as investments from the private sector targeted at meeting America’s broadband needs.

Supply Chain Challenges Impact Deployments

The influx of funding available in 2021 and 2022 to support broadband expansion and deployment provided many service providers another big obstacle in terms of supply chain challenges. Long lead times for everything from component shortages to raw materials and fiber optic cable, were causing substantial delays to project planning and timeline. Couple the supply chain challenges with skilled labor shortages and shipping and logistical delays, service providers found they were also facing increased costs for everything needed to complete installation and deployment projects in a timely manner. 

Many service providers turned to specialized supply chain solutions partners for their expertise in planning and procurement, project management, logistical support, warehousing and full turnkey services to support all aspects of their deployments.

Evolving Technologies

Selecting and implementing the right technologies has also proved to be a pain point for organizations in deploying broadband. Many service providers were being tasked with quickly implementing new and emerging technologies and ensuring that they were compatible with other devices and components, while at the same time running their day-to-day business and operational efforts. The sheer volume of assets and technologies that need to work together only complicated this.

Broadband Expansion Growth

The U.S. has made huge strides in terms of connecting America in the last few years. According to an NTIA internet users survey that was released in June 2024³, the percentage of the total U.S. population with internet has steadily risen:

• Nov. 2019: 79.4% of the total population or 248,526,495 people
• Nov. 2021: 80.5% of the total population or 253,242,298 people
• Nov. 2023: 83.3% of the total population or 266,466,307 people

What About BEAD Funding?

Availability of the long-awaited BEAD funding will address many of the still unconnected communities in the U.S. The industry is hopeful that BEAD disbursement will begin the second half of 2025, or possibly some time into 2026.

Making Sense of it All

When it comes to putting all the pieces of the puzzle together, the key is having an experienced partner within your reach. Wesco’s team of experts have decades of experience with broadband projects to support and simplify your network deployment journey and connect America. Deploying broadband in rural or challenging areas can often be complex and labor intensive. By leveraging Wesco’s best-in-class project management strategies, technological expertise, and industry-leading supply chain logistics, you gain a partner to support you in facilitating and deploying next generation communication networks and unlock new opportunities for the people that live and work there.

Using a holistic approach to all aspects of your broadband project from inception to completion, Wesco provides turnkey deployment and long-term support to streamline and optimize projects of any size, scope or complexity.

Technologies for Connecting America

Although there is not a one-size fits-all solution that will solve all your connectivity needs, choosing the right technology, or mix of technologies, can significantly impact network performance. Wesco knows that successful implementation of broadband requires a strategic and comprehensive approach to solving the unique connectivity needs of each individual project.

The ever-increasing demand for faster speeds and low latency has brought a new era of emerging technologies and trends that are revolutionizing the future of broadband deployment. Wesco’s technical expertise in a wide spectrum of cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure solutions is unmatched in the industry and can significantly accelerate your transformation efforts. Wesco offers a comprehensive portfolio of products, services and solutions from industry-leading suppliers that ensures that you have all the equipment to build, operate and maintain future-ready fiber and wireless broadband networks.

Wesco’s Commitment to Connecting America

By leveraging their proven capabilities, expertise and innovation, Wesco delivers a strategic approach that allows service providers to capitalize on funding opportunities, overcome deployment challenges, optimize operational efficiencies, prioritize technology adoption and ensure smoother project execution. We offer:

• Proven network expertise in technology and infrastructure solutions
• Fiber, wireless, microwave, satellite, FSO, private LTE and 5G wireless
• Assistance in sourcing and selection of BABA compliant products
• Deep understanding of government funding programs and requirements
• Tailored project and inventory management solutions
• Supply chain and logistical expertise

¹ 2020 Broadband Deployment Report, FCC

² Computer and Internet Availability in Households with Children in Public or Private School, United States Census Bureau

³ Total US Internet Use, National Telecommunications and Information Administration