Internet Access

Reliable, high-speed internet access has long been a challenge in rural parts of the West. Recently the Western Governor’s Association sent letters to Congress to encourage efforts to improve the situation.

The Affordable Connectivity Program has helped millions of households get internet access with subsidies. The program will wind down at the end of April unless the federal government agrees to fund it through the end of the year.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, most commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, has been expanding broadband internet access across Wyoming. But is it possible in the vast untamed lands of this state to bring high speed connection to every rural resident? That’s the major challenge sparking a conversation about internet access on the frontier.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has been expanding broadband internet access across Wyoming. But is it possible in the vast untamed lands of this state to bring high speed connection to every rural resident? That’s the major challenge sparking a conversation about internet access in the frontier.

A new round of federal funding saw Wyoming receive nearly $10 million in project funding.

Federal officials have announced another $759 million in funding for rural high-speed internet, including for states and tribes in our region. This is the third round of funding to build out internet access in rural areas. It finances projects in 24 states, three territories and tribal nations. In the Mountain West, that includes projects in Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Wyoming and the Navajo Nation.

Visionary Broadband initially launched in the mid-1990s and has grown to serve traditionally underserved communities in a three state region. The company is continuing its mission to provide high-speed internet access to these areas. Currently, Wyoming ranks as one of the worst states in the country for internet speed and accessibility.

The Biden administration announced last week that it's giving $502 million in loans and grants to rural communities and telecommunications companies to expand high-speed internet access. The list of grantees includes projects in Colorado, Montana and Wyoming.