Alabama's broadband expansion draws national praise, serves as model for taking high-speed internet from rural to reliable

The continued expansion of broadband in Alabama, particularly in some of its more rural areas, is helping to increase the overall quality of life for residents and also strengthening the state’s economy.

With the rapid and successful deployment of reliable high-speed broadband, many other states are now looking to Alabama as an example of how to deliver on a successful broadband expansion plan.

Matt Dunne, founder and executive director of the Center on Rural Innovation, a national nonprofit committed to advancing economic well-being in rural America through the creation of tech economy ecosystems, recently wrote about the example Alabama has set in implementing high-speed broadband across the state.

“Alabama has become a national model for state initiative and success in broadband policy and strategy, showcasing the effectiveness of early planning, substantial executive and legislative support, and strategic use of federal funds,” wrote Dunne. “Since 2017, Alabama leaders have consistently acted on the vision of a connected state, supporting and funding broadband initiatives designed to reach every community, from population centers to the state’s rural Black Belt. Alabama has created a lasting blueprint for digital access and economic opportunity through shared vision and effort among the legislature, Governor Kay Ivey’s office, and the agency tasked with the execution of the state’s broadband plans, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.”

Dunne cited statistics showcasing the broadband improvements in Alabama thus far.

“This effective government commitment, combined with an ongoing partnership with the private sector, has led to remarkable gains across several key areas since the Alabama legislature and Gov. Ivey kickstarted Alabama’s rural broadband efforts in 2017,” Dunne continued. “For example, according to the Federal Communications Commission, the percentage of Alabama residents without access to high-speed internet decreased from 16 percent in 2017 to 6 percent in 2024. Average download speeds also saw notable improvement, rising from 70 Mbps in 2017 to approximately 130 Mbps in 2024, according to broadband data firm Ookla. Similarly, Ookla demonstrates that average upload speeds doubled from 15 to 30 Mbps between 2017 and 2024.”

He also praised state legislators for making broadband expansion a top priority.

“The state of Alabama was deeply involved in broadband expansion and innovation several years before the COVID-19 pandemic led to new federal funding and attention to the issues. Legislators consistently passed bills that incentivized internet service providers to extend their infrastructure into underserved areas and encouraged public-private partnerships to reduce costs. State legislation has laid the groundwork for future efforts and success, including establishing a dedicated fund for broadband projects; prioritizing rural areas for infrastructure investments; providing funding for the development of a robust statewide broadband map; directing the development of extensive plans; and creating the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority to work with ADECA on future initiatives.”

Reliable broadband, according to Dunne, will ensure that all communities in Alabama have the opportunity to thrive and grow.

“This connectivity is essential for retaining skilled workers in rural areas, reducing the need for migration to urban centers, and stabilizing local economies,” Dunne said. “For communities long excluded from the digital economy, broadband provides a bridge to economic opportunity and social connectivity, ensuring that no region is left behind.”

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten