Opinion: County needs to step up efforts to increase connectivity

Lack of progress threatens to exacerbate digital divide

May 11, 2024 11:30 a.m.

It’s anticipated that average mobile data usage per smartphone will increase 17% per year in North America through 2029 as more people rely on their smartphones for entertainment, work and school. But whether Montgomery County residents enjoy the benefits of increased connectivity will depend on having the right communications infrastructure in place. Unfortunately, County Executive Marc Elrich continues to delay crucial infrastructure projects that will meet connectivity demands, which threaten to exacerbate the digital divide and threatens the county’s future prosperity.

The enactment of Zoning Text Amendment 19-07 in July 2021 was a step in the right direction, promising to pave the way for the deployment of small cell antennas and usher in a new era of connectivity. However, the failure of the Elrich administration to develop a master license agreement in line with the standards outlined in the zoning text amendment has stymied progress and left the county lagging behind—impacting students, public safety, competitiveness, and more.

The implications for education are stark. Access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity for students, particularly as virtual learning has emerged as a critical component of education within the Montgomery County Public Schools. For students lacking broadband access, dependable wireless connectivity is their lifeline, often accessed through borrowed MiFi devices. Whether in remote areas or underserved communities, the stability of their connection directly impacts their ability to engage with educational resources effectively. But connectivity is not solely vital for students; it also profoundly impacts parents seeking resources, connecting with educators or seeking access to enhanced safety features such as the forthcoming bus tracking app. Ensuring the reliability of wireless infrastructure is paramount in bridging the digital divide and fostering equitable learning opportunities for all students and their families.

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Furthermore, reliable connectivity is paramount for public safety whether it’s supporting emergency services, facilitating disaster response efforts, or implementing innovative programs like the Drone as First Responder Program that require robust communications infrastructure. Amid police officer staffing shortages, Montgomery County cannot afford to compromise on public safety, yet the lack of adequate connectivity puts residents at risk and undermines potential innovation and the effectiveness of these emergency response systems.

Surrounding counties have seized the opportunity to expand access to digital services, attracting new businesses and fostering economic growth. Yet, Montgomery County’s procrastination in advancing infrastructure projects puts it at a disadvantage, jeopardizing its ability to remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.

By keeping the county’s commitment and moving forward with a MLA that incentivizes private investment, Montgomery County can chart a course towards a brighter future. But the clock is ticking. It’s time for Elrich’s office to prioritize connectivity as a catalyst for educational equity, public safety, and economic growth. Our future depends on it.

Laura Toraldo is the executive director of MD5G Partnership, a Baltimore-based advocacy group of individuals, businesses, community leaders and non-profits.  

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