It is undeniable that fast and reliable internet service is critical for work, school, and life in general. Fortunately, most Americans enjoy the endless opportunities that come along with high-speed internet access. But many rural and harder-to-reach communities across the country remain unserved.
The focus on this “digital divide” rightly examines the hardships faced by communities and individuals without reliable connectivity, such as the countless accounts of students resorting to restaurant parking lots to access Wi-Fi for their homework.
However, what often gets overlooked is the grueling work required to bring this critical infrastructure to rural and remote communities that are still awaiting modern internet service. Connecting the entire country is a massive challenge—America is made of 3.5 million square miles of landmass and all kinds of difficult terrain.
The Untold Story of Connecting Rural America
A new compelling documentary film, “Every Last Mile,” captures that story. Through the eyes and words of experienced construction crews, the film showcases the dedication and resilience of workers laboring in harsh terrains and extreme weather conditions to lay miles of fiber-optic cable. The work is arduous, taking months to connect even small communities waiting for service.
Following three broadband construction crews in remote parts of the country, “Every Last Mile” offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build this critical infrastructure. From the arid deserts of Arizona to the frigid north woods of Minnesota and the remote fishing communities of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, it reveals the effort required to connect these diverse landscapes.
“Everyone understands the importance of connecting all communities to fast and reliable internet access, but few have seen just how daunting that work can be. ‘Every Last Mile’ tells the story of the monumental challenges faced by America’s cable industry every day to extend broadband into rural, unserved communities across the country, and we won’t quit until the job is done.” – Michael K. Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association
The stories reveal the complexities of wiring rural communities in the country and highlight the importance of strong public-private partnerships to close the digital gaps.
But “Every Last Mile" is not just a film about obstacles; it is a testament to the strength, character, and ingenuity of the men and women committed to ensuring no one is left behind. It also serves as a call to action to redouble efforts to complete the job once and for all.
With thousands of projects underway in rural communities nationwide, broadband crews are making tremendous progress to bridge the digital divide.
America’s Cable Industry: Doing What it Takes to Get the Job Done
America’s cable industry, with over 1 million highly skilled professionals, has a long, proven track record of success in expanding broadband access across the country. Between 2022 and 2023 alone, the cable industry connected 1.3 million rural homes and businesses and increased gigabit speed access to 5.4 million more. This commitment ensures that the work continues until every community has access to reliable high-speed internet.
To learn more about the cable industry’s mission to connect every American, visit EveryLastMile.film.