Mark Rhoden

The Broadband Advisory Council meeting for the second quarter of 2024 included updates on infrastructure investments and digital opportunity initiatives. The meeting highlighted a shift in focus towards digital opportunities, emphasizing the importance of skills and affordability alongside infrastructure. Discussions covered the team's achievements, financial aspects, and strategic efforts, including the completion of capital projects fund investments and the accelerated deployment Grant. Priority areas for broadband deployment were discussed, focusing on K12 student households and difficult development areas.

The Digital Opportunity Plan for South Carolina focuses on bridging the digital divide by enhancing broadband adoption and use, creating opportunities for covered populations, and aligning with existing efforts to improve outcomes. Key goals include broadband availability and affordability, online access, digital literacy, online privacy and cybersecurity, and device availability and affordability. The plan aims to ensure all South Carolinians have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet and the necessary skills to benefit from this technology, fostering economic, health, and civic opportunities.

The Broadband Advisory Council (BBAC) meeting covered various topics, including group updates on broadband-related work in South Carolina. Discussions included updates on CARES II grants, the Rural Broadband Grant Program, and upcoming federal funding sources. The Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) presented an overview of the state of broadband in South Carolina and discussed the development of a comprehensive broadband plan. The relaunch of SC Digital Drive was also highlighted, along with a request for BBAC members to review the site and provide feedback. Finally, potential legislation related to broadband adoption and use was discussed, focusing on broadband access and digital equity.

Discussions covered updates from various organizations on broadband initiatives, including federal funding tracking, ARPA recommendations, and infrastructure bill progress. Challenges regarding the speed of federal fund distribution were noted. The group reviewed updates from the Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS), including progress on eligibility maps, the broadband plan draft, and various grant programs. Survey results were reviewed, and discussions included the need for low-income internet packages and the differences in business models between various broadband providers. The meeting also addressed the addition of new members to the Broadband Advisory Council and action items for follow-up.

This quarterly meeting focused on updates from the South Carolina Broadband Office, including the release of updated broadband maps and the progress of grant applications. Discussions covered the state's broadband infrastructure, investment strategies, and the prioritization of underserved areas, particularly focusing on K-12 students and difficult-to-reach communities. The meeting also included an overview of funding allocations and the progress of various grant programs, including the state and local fiscal recovery fund and the capital projects fund.