A communications economist says the coronavirus pandemic has amplified the vulnerability of rural residents without broadband and the need to reform infrastructure funding.

Jeff Johnston with CoBank tells Brownfield widespread connectivity

comes with a big price tag.

“From as low as $80 billion to as high as $150 billion to ultimately bridge the digital divide.”

He says legislation moving through Congress could pay for

some of the infrastructure needs or provide subsidies so providers can continue

offering services through the pandemic, but it’s not sustainable.

…