September 27, 2020

More businesses join farmer cooperative-convened coalition for US broadband connection

The American Connection Project Broadband Coalition, which was convened by farmer-owned cooperative Land O'Lakes Inc. back in July, has grown its membership to over 100 from an initial 49.

Land O'Lakes said the members, which include businesses and organisations across finance, health care, tech and food production, among others, will lend their expertise in trying to bridge the digital divide in America.

Back in July Land O'Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford said, "All too often, farmers, business owners and even school children are disadvantaged by being on the wrong side of our country's digital divide, a problem that has become more acute as we deal with the challenges of COVID-19".

"But this isn't just a rural issue. The American Connection Project Broadband Coalition represents a mix of companies from tech, health care, agriculture, and more who understand the ramifications of our country's broken internet infrastructure and who have the willingness and expertise to help address this need".

In July, the Coalition has also sent a letter to President Trump and congressional leadership urging them to "enact groundbreaking broadband connectivity legislation that includes the necessary resources to close the digital divide in this country".

Earlier in April, the Coalition sent a letter to all 50 US governors, asking for their support of the initiative and inviting them to leverage their own resources to add more Wi-Fi hotspot locations around their states.