Post by Center on Rural Innovation

“Good enough” broadband is not good enough for rural America. In a new op-ed for Fierce Network, Michael Romano, CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, makes a clear case for what comes next: a rural innovation agenda that moves beyond network construction to focus on long-term sustainability, reliability, affordability, and impact. That shift matters. Our research shows that when rural communities can fully use and leverage broadband, the results are powerful: stronger business growth, more entrepreneurship, higher incomes, and greater economic resilience. In other words, broadband is not just a utility. It is economic infrastructure. But the real opportunity comes when connectivity is paired with local leadership, ecosystem building, workforce development, digital skills, and support for entrepreneurs. That is how rural communities turn access into opportunity and lasting prosperity. Thank you to Mike Romano and Fierce Network for elevating this important conversation and for highlighting our research on the role broadband plays in rural economic growth. Read the op-ed: https://ow.ly/1AXB50Z82tX Read our report, Beyond Connectivity: The Role of Broadband in Rural Economic Growth and Resilience: https://ow.ly/31eY50Z82tW #RuralInnovation #Broadband #RuralBroadband #EconomicDevelopment #RuralAmerica #Entrepreneurship #DigitalOpportunity #CommunityDevelopment #TheFutureIsRural