What It Took to Deliver “Every Last Mile”
This summer, NCTA premiered “Every Last Mile,” a docufilm that chronicles the physical and operational challenges that three construction crews faced as they tackled the daunting work of extending broadband some of America’s most rural areas. The construction work documented is harrowing, but behind the scenes, film crews also had to figure out how to get their job done under challenging conditions. NCTA talked with Lee Morton, the director of “Every Last Mile,” to learn what he and his crew had to contend with in order to tell this critical story of connections and why they matter. A front
Michael Powell Op-Ed: “The Smartest Way to Bring Broadband to All”
In 2021, Congress approved the largest investment ever to support broadband expansion with the federal Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program that will distribute over $42 billion to the states in the coming months. But while disbursement of this historic funding is a step in the right direction, ensuring that the BEAD program is a success will take significant diligence to ensure that the program stays laser-focused on completing its mission of delivering broadband to those without it. That’s the message of an op-ed published in Governing by Michael Powell, President and CEO
Mediacom Completed Network Featured in “Every Last Mile”
Mediacom has announced that it has completed the extension of its fiber-optic network in Lakewood Township, Minnesota. The project was one of three projects highlighted in NCTA’s new docufilm, "Every Last Mile.” “Every Last Mile” tells the story of the hard work that goes into extending broadband networks to far-out corners of the United States. The film follows work crews as they lay cable across difficult terrain to help connect rural communities, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to the arid desert of Arizona. Community impact “An estimated 95% of our residents did not have access to
Bridging the Digital Divide in Remote Alaska
The new documentary “Every Last Mile” chronicles the untold story of connecting rural America. It follows three broadband construction crews as they overcome obstacles to tackle the monumental challenge of ensuring every American, regardless of where they live, has access to digital infrastructure and the opportunities it brings. Connecting Unalaska One of the remote areas featured in the film is King Cove, Alaska, a remote fishing community accessible only by air and sea. Undaunted by unpredictable weather, turbulent seas, and even volcanic eruptions, GCI’s broadband construction crews forged
WATCH: Panel Discusses Experience Building Rural Broadband
Recently, NCTA hosted a screening of the new docufilm “Every Last Mile” immediately followed by a panel discussion about lessons learned building broadband networks in rural areas. Panelists included: Tom Larsen, Senior Vice President, Government & Public Relations at Mediacom; Jeff Merritt, Market Vice President at Cox in Roanoke Virginia; and Jennifer Nelson, Senior Director, Rural Affairs at GCI. The panel represented each of the network operators highlighted in “Every Last Mile” which follows crews in northern Minnesota, the desert of Arizona, and Alaska’s Aleutian Islands as they do the
Premiere of “Every Last Mile: The Untold Story of Connecting Rural America” Addresses Closing the Digital Divide
NCTA and the Washington Post Live recently partnered for a special screening of the new documentary, “Every Last Mile.” The film chronicles the untold story of connecting rural America, following three broadband construction crews as they overcome obstacles to tackle the monumental challenge of ensuring every American, regardless of where they live, has access to digital infrastructure and the opportunities it brings. The screening was followed by a roundtable discussion with Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Administrator Andrew Berke and Virginia’s broadband office director Tamarah Holmes, and
America’s Expanding Broadband Networks Continue to Grow: The Northeast Pt. 2
As America targets efforts towards connecting every community to robust broadband – including the distribution of more than $40 billion in federal funds for building new networks – cable providers continue to do what they have always done: build out their networks to reach as many Americans as possible. With network expansions continuing to happen nationwide, here are a few more examples of projects that work towards the national goal of connecting every American. To learn about other projects highlighted in previous blogs, be sure to check out NCTA.com. And to learn more about what it takes
NOW STREAMING “Every Last Mile: The Untold Story of Connecting Rural America”
The COVID pandemic exposed how critical reliable internet service is to work, school, and life in general, and that communities without access to this important technology could permanently fall behind. Since then, unprecedented efforts have been dedicated to closing the digital divide, including reaching the 10 million Americans living in rural areas without access to robust broadband. But reaching America’s most rural communities is a massive challenge. The country has a landmass of 3.5 million square miles and all kinds of difficult terrain. So, how does the country get the job done, and
Join the Premiere of "Every Last Mile: The Untold Story of Connecting Rural America"
NCTA and the Washington Post Live are partnering on Wednesday, June 26 at 4:00 p.m. ET for a special screening of the new documentary, “Every Last Mile.” The film chronicles the untold story of connecting rural America, following three broadband construction crews as they overcome obstacles to tackle the monumental challenge of ensuring every American, regardless of where they live, has access to digital infrastructure and the opportunities it brings. The screening will be followed by a roundtable discussion with Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Administrator
Coming Next Week – Every Last Mile: The Untold Story of Connecting Rural America
In today’s world, high-speed internet is the gateway to a world of opportunities. Access to fast and reliable broadband is especially important in rural areas, enabling people to participate fully in the digital economy with remote work opportunities, virtual learning, telehealth services and more. However, while internet access is essential, building out networks to America’s most rural locations is a dauting task. NCTA’s forthcoming docufilm, "Every Last Mile," explores the challenges and obstacles that internet providers face in wiring these communities. Overcoming obstacles While much of