As we learned in the Thursday, May 8, edition of the Butler Eagle, Butler County Commissioners have agreed to support a proposal to expand access to broadband internet.

The proposal, from Armstrong Telecommunications, would use $1 million from the county along with federal grant money to help ensure parts of the county have high-speed, reliable internet access. To move forward, the state’s Broadband Development Authority would have to approve it.

Armstrong is already taking part in the federal program, with a $12.4 million contract to provide broadband internet to residents of the Moniteau and Slippery Rock Area school districts.

If approved, Armstrong would provide broadband to 13 other areas that currently don’t have access.

Over the last 15 years, broadband internet has become nearly ubiquitous. Research by Pew Charitable Trusts showed that at least 70% of Americans subscribed to broadband internet access as of 2024.

But some more rural areas don’t have enough customers to make it economically viable for internet service providers to offer broadband there.

That is where programs like this become essential. As life since the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, having access to reliable high speed internet makes it possible for people to work and learn remotely, as well as for them to get services it might be difficult or impossible to get otherwise.

It’s a wise use of the county’s money and we hope the project gets support from the state as well.

— JK