Broadband
Leveraging Public Lands to Connect Rural America
In the 21st century broadband communications are as vital as roads and bridges, powerlines, and water and sewer systems. Broadband access supports economic growth and competitiveness, provides access to health care and educational opportunities, and enhances civic participation.
Ninety-seven percent of Americans who live in urban population areas have access to high-speed internet and broadband services, but access for rural and Tribal areas continues to lag. Many of these areas are located near public lands the BLM administers, giving the agency a key role in closing the digital divide and supporting local economies.
The BLM makes public lands available for broadband infrastructure through right-of-way (ROW) authorizations.
We also administer 5,000 miles of energy corridors that are compatible with fiber optic and phone lines which connect with another 1,000 miles of corridors on National Forest System lands.
Projects recently authorized | Grand Canyon West (AZ) :: Zayo Prineville to Reno (OR/WA)
Partner Agencies
U.S. DEPT. of COMMERCE | National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) :: internetforall.gov
U.S. DEPT. of AGRICULTURE | Rural Utilities Service (RUS) | U.S. Forest Service
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) :: FCC National Broadband Map
National Park Service :: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service || Firstnet.gov
DOI Infrastructure Map
The American Broadband Initiative's Federal Asset Finder and DOI Asset Finder tools display information on places potentially available for locating broadband infrastructure.
