Solastalgia and the North Carolina Digital Divide

After a hurricane upends everything, the void left behind—solastalgia—can be as destabilizing as the storm itself. In this episode of Storm Stories, we hear from Angie Bailey of North Carolina’s Broadband Infrastructure Office on efforts to bridge the digital divide, ensuring communities aren’t cut off when they need connectivity the most. And in Utica, Mississippi, Carlton Turner reflects on bringing internet access to his town while grappling with the social and political costs of digital expansion.

How to Evaluate Broadband Access in Your Community: A 10-Step Guide for Local Leaders

Access to reliable and affordable broadband is essential for education, work, healthcare, and economic growth. Yet, many communities still struggle with slow speeds, high costs, and service gaps. If you’re a community leader looking to assess broadband access in your area, here’s how you can take action.

1. Start with a Listening Tour

Talk to residents, schools, businesses, and healthcare providers about their internet experience. Are there dead zones? Is service too expensive? Does it support remote work and learning? Gather real stories to guide your efforts.

2. Run a Community Speed Test Campaign

Encourage residents to test their internet speeds using tools like the FCC’s Speed Test app or Measurement Lab. This will help you compare actual performance against what providers advertise.

3. Identify Areas Without Service

Map out which neighborhoods have little or no broadband access. This may include rural areas, low-income neighborhoods, or places where providers claim to offer service but don’t.

4. Survey Households and Businesses

Create a simple online and paper survey asking residents about their internet provider, cost, reliability, and whether they feel their needs are being met. Schools and libraries can help distribute surveys.

5. Check Internet Affordability

Investigate broadband prices in your area and whether residents can afford them. See if people qualify for federal programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) but aren’t using them.

6. Meet with Internet Providers

Set up meetings with local broadband providers to discuss coverage gaps, speed concerns, and future expansion plans. Ask about any upcoming infrastructure upgrades or partnerships they might be open to.

7. Look for Funding Opportunities

Many state and federal grants exist to expand broadband access, such as the BEAD Program (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment). Work with local government or nonprofits to explore funding options.

8. Build a Coalition for Change

Bring together schools, businesses, healthcare organizations, and local government to advocate for better broadband. Strong partnerships can drive real improvements.

9. Push for Policy Changes

If outdated regulations or monopoly control are blocking better service, work with elected officials to explore policy solutions, such as municipal broadband or open-access networks.

10. Keep the Pressure On

Broadband expansion takes time. Keep tracking progress, sharing updates with your community, and holding providers and policymakers accountable until real improvements happen.

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