As the internet becomes increasingly essential to daily life, disparities in internet quality across the country have revealed significant gaps. Many Americans in rural or underserved areas struggle with slow, unreliable or cost-prohibitive connections, while typically urban areas benefit from robust networks and faster speeds. This digital divide, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, affects nearly every aspect of modern life, from education to economic development.
The shift to remote learning and work during the pandemic underscored the urgent need for reliable internet: students in underserved areas fell behind, and businesses without strong connections faced operational hurdles. Access to high-quality broadband is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity for full participation in modern society, affecting education, business operations and even access to health care through telehealth.
Current state of broadband across the Northeast
In the Northeast, broadband access is progressing but faces significant challenges. Generally, metropolitan areas are well-connected, but rural areas face outdated infrastructure, limited providers and financial barriers.
For example, in Connecticut, 0.57% of locations remain unserved, but 86.7% of households have broadband subscriptions.[1] In New Jersey, nearly 99% of residents have access to 25 megabits per second speeds, 97.7% have access to 100 Mbps, and 98.8% can choose between wired or wireless services.[2] While these figures show strong coverage, affordability remains a challenge for some low-income households. In New York state, 97.4% of locations are served, but the 2.4% that remain unserved primarily affects rural communities, limiting their access to economic and educational opportunities.[3] Vermont faces larger gaps, with over 33,000 homes, small businesses and farms still disconnected from high-speed internet, restricting their participation in the digital economy severely.[4] Meanwhile, New Hampshire leads the region, with 97% access to 25 Mbps, 96% to 100 Mbps, and 96.8% of residents having service options.[5]
The push for better broadband
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Joe Biden, marks a historic investment in U.S. infrastructure, including broadband. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 established the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, which allocates over $42 billion to bring affordable, high-speed internet to unserved and underserved communities. The program was created to enhance Americans’ access to remote work, education, health care and other vital services.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration oversees the BEAD Program funding, ensuring broadband projects provide internet speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps with low latency, no data caps and high reliability. States like Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire are receiving substantial grants—$144.2 million for Connecticut, $263.7 million for New Jersey, $664.6 million for New York, $228.9 million for Vermont, and $196.6 million for New Hampshire—to close the broadband access gaps. These investments will be transformative, especially for rural areas where outdated infrastructure has left many disconnected from the digital economy.
Implications for agency owners
For insurance agents—particularly those in rural areas—improved internet access means better client engagement through reliable digital platforms. Agents can manage accounts, process claims, conduct virtual consultations and recruit talent more effectively with fast, dependable broadband. As the insurance industry relies increasingly on AI and integrated management systems, robust connectivity will be critical to offering personalized services and making the insurance process smoother for clients.
Additionally, access to better broadband will help agencies stay competitive in a digital-first world, where remote work and online services are becoming the norm.
Broadband’s role in the future of business
Broadband access isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a foundational element for a business’s success in the modern economy. For insurance agents, better internet means greater efficiency, more opportunities for growth and improved service for clients. As the federal government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide move forward, insurance agencies must be prepared to leverage these advancements to remain competitive and provide clients with the best possible experience.
The series …
PIA infrastructure series: Introduction
Infrastructure series: Bridge the gap: We need solid structures in a world without flying cars
Infrastructure series: Why broadband internet matters more than ever
Infrastructure series: Aviation initiatives are taking flight
[1] Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, 2024
[2] Broadbandnow, New Jersey 2024
[3] 2024 Report on Availability, Reliability, and Cost of High-Speed Broadband Services in New York State
[4] Statement, U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, 2024
[5] Broadbandnow, New Hampshire 2024
Theophilus Alexander
Theophilus W. Alexander joined PIA Northeast as a government & industry affairs specialist for the Government & Industry Affairs Department in 2023. Prior to joining PIA, Theo had served in both houses of the New York State Legislature. Previously, he worked as a legislative analyst for Hon. New York State Sen. Samra G. Brouk, D-55, and he served at the New York State Assembly, as a policy analyst with New York Assembly Program & Counsel. Theo received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from Ithaca College in Ithaca, N.Y.
