Broadband Access
Definition
High-speed internet service capable of supporting modern online activities like video conferencing, streaming, remote work, and online education. The FCC defines broadband as minimum 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload, though many activities require faster speeds. Broadband is essential infrastructure for economic development, education, healthcare, and civic participation—as fundamental to 21st-century communities as roads and electricity.
Louisville Context
Most Louisville Metro has access to broadband internet from providers like AT&T, Spectrum, and Google Fiber, but availability varies by neighborhood and affordability remains a barrier. Monthly broadband costs $50-100+, unaffordable for many low-income households. Some rural areas of Jefferson County lack high-speed options. Broadband access correlates strongly with income—nearly all affluent households have home internet while less than 50% of very low-income households do.
Why It Matters
Broadband access is no longer optional—it’s essential for education (homework, research), employment (remote work, job applications), healthcare (telemedicine), and civic participation (government services, public meetings). Lack of affordable broadband creates severe disadvantages that compound over time, particularly for children whose education increasingly depends on internet access.
Dave’s Proposal
Dave will work to expand broadband affordability through partnerships with providers to offer low-cost plans ($10-20/month) for low-income households, advocate for state and federal broadband funding for underserved areas, and ensure all Metro facilities offer free public Wi-Fi. These initiatives will be coordinated within his $1.025 billion budget with minimal direct costs.