Execs Talk Public-Private Partnerships and Digital Divide

We asked some of the industry’s brightest minds how the public and private sector can work together to make a meaningful impact on the digital divide. Here’s what they had to say.

Andrew Curley
Director, Government Relations
Midco

“There isn’t a silver bullet solution for the digital divide, whether it’s adoption or access. Last spring, Midco provided free internet to low income families, and adoption wasn’t as high as we’d anticipated or hoped. Because of this, we’re partnering with the City of Sioux Falls to fund the Inclusive Digital Equity Alliance to study how to overcome barriers such as digital literacy. Having private sector providers, non-profits and the public at the table leads to dialogue and problem-solving.”

Pat Esser
President & CEO
Cox Communications

“Keeping people connected is more important than ever before, especially for kids. Our commitment remains strong, but we cannot do this alone. We need to keep partnering with cities, school districts, counties and community-based organizations to get families connected.”

Tom Larsen
SVP, Government & Public Relations
Mediacom

“I think it is imperative to create policies that encourage America’s private sector broadband providers to extend their existing fiber networks into unserved/underserved areas. It is important to have conversations with policymakers about the problems they are trying to solve. Mediacom has nearly 600,000 strand miles of fiber already deployed and a lot of that fiber is connecting hundreds of wireless towers throughout our 22 state footprint. Last year, we invested nearly $30 million to buy CBRS spectrum in 178 counties. In short, we have a ready-made solution to expand broadband coverage into unserved areas that not a lot of policymakers are aware of today. “