MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) — State and federal officials from across the country gathered Wednesday in Myrtle Beach to discuss a $42 billion broadband, equity, access and deployment package.

The program, known as BEAD, was created by the U.S. Department of Commerce to fund projects to expand access to high-speed Internet, particularly in underserved areas. Last month, South Carolina’s plan to use $551 million in BEAD funding received final approval.

On Wednesday, leaders from six states discussed how remaining funds could be invested to help close the digital divide through partnerships between the public and private sectors. Jim Stritzinger, director of the South Carolina Broadband Office, said that when the Palmetto State made its first statewide internet investment in June 2020, more than 300,000 homes and businesses were without broadband.

Today, 32,500 homes and businesses still do not have broadband. Thursday’s event in Myrtle Beach brought together six state broadband directors to discuss the allocation and use of federal funds, particularly the BEAD program.

“Just like that congregation member said electricity was great, we now have a similar sentiment from average citizens who now have internet in their homes for the very first time,” Stritzinger said.

Early funding came from federal sources such as the Cares Act and the American Rescue Plan, targeting internet access for families and students during the pandemic.

“This is true in many states. They didn’t have a broadband office,” Stritzinger said. “So COVID really made all of this possible.” You hate to find a silver lining to something like COVID, but the fact is that it brought attention to the lack of internet connectivity and the struggles that many families have experienced for years, but it created instant alignment with the General Assembly, and that’s it. why we are in the position we are in now.

The newly approved $546 million BEAD funds represent the final effort to ensure access for all South Carolinians. Through the successful management of the funds, Stritzinger said the state can now invest beyond housing and businesses.

“We are capable of doing something quite important. So right now we have $200 million dedicated to building a resilient resource network for the state of South Carolina,” he said. “And with this money, I believe we can create the digital foundation we need for the next 50 years in South Carolina.” We’re able to invest in things that are truly dreamland, you know, and that’s what we’re really here to talk about.

Throughout Wednesday, various speakers shared the tremendous impact of expanding high-speed Internet access and discussed how BEAD funding will not only connect remaining unserved areas, but also boosting diverse sectors across South Carolina.

“We now have the audacity to say: OK, the digital divide is solved. So what do we do next? » said Stritzinger.

The leaders also stressed the importance of having strong public-private partnerships. DC Blox CEO Jeff Uphues said he has invested $200 million in the state over the past five years and plans to invest an additional $2.3 billion in the future.

“It’s not just about DC Blox, but it takes into account everyone and how you create opportunity in your state,” he said. “Start with the first slide I had, which matched interests. I’ve really worked on this, and then you have to choose partners who can execute. And it’s one of the things we’re most proud of.

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Savannah Denton joined News 13 in July 2023 as a reporter and producer. Savannah is a native of Atlanta, Georgia and a graduate of the University of Alabama. Follow Savannah on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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