SXSW 2020

Bricks and Mortar and the Digital Divide

Description:

Having reliable and affordable access to a broadband connection in the home is critical for individual and community-level economic and educational advancement. However, bringing connectivity to the home can be anything but plug and play. Deploying broadband carries with it a host of challenges ranging from infrastructure costs to regulatory barriers or even technical and design limitations.

The economics of deployment requires strong partnerships between property owners and service providers. Leading apartment firms and wireless broadband providers are collaborating on alternative solutions that can overcome these obstacles and bridge the digital divide and deliver affordable, reliable broadband to underserved populations.



Takeaways

  1. Better understanding of private sector challenges expanding and scaling broadband access to properties at all price points (and how to address them).
  2. Clearer picture of how policymakers can play a role in supporting policies that nurture broadband deployment in private apartment communities.
  3. Real-life case study of how a leading apartment firm partnered with a broadband startup to bring web access to a large affordable housing portfolio.

Speakers


Organizer

Joslyn Hatfield, Policy Communications Manager, National Multifamily Housing Council


Meta Information:

  • Event: SXSW
  • Format: Panel
  • Track: Connection & Culture
  • Track 2
  • Level: Intermediate


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