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Alabama has emerged as a national leader in broadband expansion, setting the standard for state-driven initiatives to close the digital divide. Thanks to strategic planning, legislative commitment, and a well-executed partnership between the state and private sector, Alabama has significantly improved broadband access, particularly in its rural areas. The state’s progress is not just about connectivity—it’s about economic growth, education, and healthcare access for communities that have long been underserved.
Matt Dunne, founder and executive director of the Center on Rural Innovation, which focuses on advancing rural economies through tech-driven initiatives, highlights Alabama’s broadband rollout as a success story worth emulating in a publication by The Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equitable access to high-speed internet and its benefits. “Alabama has done something truly remarkable—leveraging state policy, federal funds, and private sector partnerships to create a sustainable broadband ecosystem that directly benefits its rural communities,” Dunne noted.
A Blueprint for Broadband Success
Since 2017, Alabama has been at the forefront of broadband expansion, well before the COVID-19 pandemic brought national attention and federal funding to the issue. Under the leadership of Governor Kay Ivey and the state legislature, Alabama established a clear, long-term vision for broadband development, resulting in a substantial reduction in the number of residents without high-speed internet.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, the percentage of Alabamians without broadband access dropped from 16 percent in 2017 to just 6 percent in 2024. At the same time, internet speeds have significantly improved—average download speeds have nearly doubled from 70 Mbps to 130 Mbps, according to data from Ookla, while upload speeds have doubled from 15 Mbps to 30 Mbps.
Alabama’s Broadband Success Stems From a Combination of Key Factors:
Legislative and executive leadership committed to prioritizing broadband expansion.
Strategic use of federal funding, including $1.4 billion from the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment program and $191 million from the Capital Projects Fund.
A data-driven approach led by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, ensuring funds are used where they are most needed.
Public-private partnerships, including major contributions from Alabama Power and other infrastructure providers.
Public-Private Collaboration
One of the standout aspects of Alabama’s broadband expansion has been the cooperation between state agencies and private enterprises. Alabama Power, a key player in this initiative, has used its extensive infrastructure to accelerate broadband access, particularly in underserved areas.
Through its Internet Service Provider Partnership Program, Alabama Power allows ISPs to use its middle-mile fiber infrastructure to deliver broadband to homes and businesses. This strategy dramatically reduces costs and speeds up deployment. Additionally, the company’s 5,000-mile fiber network spans all 67 Alabama counties, ensuring that high-speed internet reaches rural schools, healthcare facilities, and local governments.
Alabama Power also introduced a specialized Connectivity Crew, the first of its kind in the U.S., trained to handle fiber deployment at all levels. This initiative underscores the company’s long-term commitment to digital expansion.
Transforming Rural Economies
The impact of Alabama’s broadband expansion extends far beyond improved internet speeds—it’s fundamentally reshaping the state’s economy.
A report from the Center on Rural Innovation found that broadband access correlates with a 213 percent higher rate of business growth in rural areas. Counties with high broadband adoption also experience 44 percent higher GDP growth and 18 percent higher per capita income growth compared to those without reliable access.
For Alabama’s Black Belt region—one of the state’s historically underserved areas—broadband expansion could be a game-changer. A study from Auburn University estimates that broadband deployment in the Black Belt could result in a $1.4 billion economic impact, supporting over 25,000 new jobs.
“Broadband isn’t just about connectivity—it’s about opportunity,” Dunne said. “For rural Alabama, this means more remote jobs, more small businesses, and access to markets that were once out of reach.”
Bridging the Digital Divide in Education and Healthcare
In addition to economic growth, broadband expansion is revolutionizing education and healthcare in Alabama.
Education: With improved broadband, rural schools can now offer virtual learning, STEM programs, and online college courses, ensuring that students in remote areas have the same opportunities as those in urban centers.
Healthcare: Telemedicine is becoming a reality for rural Alabamians, allowing residents in underserved areas to consult with specialists remotely. This is especially critical in the Black Belt, where hospital closures have left many communities with limited healthcare access.
Broadband’s Role in Alabama’s Agricultural Future
Beyond education and healthcare, broadband is essential for Alabama’s agricultural sector. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that precision agriculture, powered by high-speed internet, can increase farm yields by up to 10 percent and reduce costs by as much as 30 percent .
With new broadband infrastructure in place, Alabama farmers can now access real-time data on soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop health, giving them the tools to compete in an increasingly tech-driven agricultural economy.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Alabama’s Digital Momentum
With its broadband rollout already showing tangible results, Alabama is now focusing on sustainability and long-term growth. ADECA and the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority continue to refine their strategies, ensuring that broadband access remains equitable, affordable, and scalable.
Looking ahead, Governor Ivey and the legislature have expressed commitment to further investments, ensuring that all Alabama households—100 percent of farms, businesses, and communities—have broadband access within five years.
“Alabama’s broadband expansion is not just a short-term project; it’s a long-term investment in the state’s economic and social future,” Dunne emphasized. “The progress made here should serve as a model for other states looking to bridge their digital divide.”
Alabama’s success in broadband expansion proves that when state leadership, data-driven policymaking, and private-sector partnerships align, transformative change is possible. The state’s model could very well define the future of broadband policy across America.
