Katherine de Wit, Project Director, Broadband Access Initiative, Pew Charitable Trusts

Katherine de Wit, Project Director, Broadband Access Initiative, Pew Charitable Trusts

Katherine de Wit, Project Director, Broadband Access Initiative, at The Pew Charitable Trusts spoke about the 2021 Infrastructure Bill effort to expand high-speed internet access nationwide, and the real-world challenges shaping its rollout, from funding delays and policy shifts to the risk of investing in outdated technology.

Louisiana stood out as a strong example, completing its network build in just four years and showing what’s possible when planning and execution align.

The conversation also underscored a key but often overlooked factor: workforce readiness. Expanding broadband at scale requires not just funding and fiber, but enough skilled labor to meet demand.

Ultimately, the discussion centered on the importance of state-level expertise, long-term sustainability, and ensuring affordable, reliable internet access remains the foundation for economic opportunity moving forward.

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