Originally posted on Data Center POST
What can the telecommunications industry do to bridge the ongoing digital divide? In The Divide Podcast, Bluebird Network’s Chief Revenue Officer, Bruce Garrison and Dartpoint’s Chief Executive Officer, Scott Willis shared their thoughts with the Podcast program called ‘The Divide’ about how to solve the problem, each exploring ways the industry can help bring reliable connectivity to markets that need them most.
For starters, Bruce explained why he thinks the digital divide exists today. “One of the biggest underlying reasons is just infrastructure, there is no ubiquitous network across any part of the world. So there are gaps in coverage which do not give other businesses or consumers access to the latest and greatest technologies.”
Scott Willis also shared that “the US market in general [has] to figure out a way to solve this, it’s not a new issue; it’s been a challenge for a long period of time,” He then shares two ideas on how the industry can address the digital divide: First, the industry needs to pivot its architecture and implement edge technologies in order to meet the ever-growing demands. Second, Scott mentions how it’s going to take both private and public sectors coming together to bridge the divide.
An increase in funding will also have a great impact on addressing the digital divide. Bruce says, “Infrastructure is a capital– intensive business, so a state organization needs help with funding.” As technology progresses, so does the time for adoption and more infrastructure, which drives the need for more funding in the industry. Partnerships can help create an avenue to funding in order to meet demands, while also providing and strengthening connectivity in underserved communities.
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