In the Thursday, July 17, edition of the Butler Eagle we learned about an ambitious — and desperately needed — plan to expand access to high-speed internet connections in the county.

The Accessible Broadband for Children program, run by Armstrong, is set to lay 220 new miles of fiber and connect 1,660 locations across Moniteau and Slippery Rock school districts.

The focus of the expansion is to help make sure that students countywide can connect and work remotely from home.

Moniteau School Board President Michael Panza recalled during the coronavirus pandemic when parents and students would have to go to the library in order to complete school assignments.

During the kickoff event, Armstrong president Jeffrey Ross pointed out how essential broadband internet is for schools.

“How can a school district properly deliver the promise of the next generation if significant portions of the school-age population do not have access to reliable broadband?” he asked.

The answer is very simple: They can’t.

But the expansion will help more than students. Having access to high-speed internet connections allows people to have telemedicine appointments, work remotely if needed or even to look for a new job.

County Commissioner Leslie Osche highlighted how important internet access is.

“In today’s world, broadband is as much an essential utility as is water, sewer, gas and electricity. When you’re without it, it’s a struggle,” Osche said.

She’s right, and it’s good to hear the county plans to continue expanding broadband access. Investments like this by government and private business pay huge dividends for the entire community.

— JK