US cities back broadband projects as COVID-19 exposes digital divide

Voters in two major U.S. cities have backed proposals for municipal broadband projects that seek to guarantee internet access for residents, as the pandemic highlights a deepening digital divide in the United States.
With classes and many healthcare and other public services going online, local authorities are increasingly concerned about extending internet access even as funding shortfalls and legislative hurdles complicate municipal broadband initiatives.
In Chicago, nearly 90% of voters backed a Nov. 3 referendum proposal for the city to ensure internet access in all “community areas”, while Denver residents voted to opt out of a state law stopping the city from developing a broadband network.
The measure, known as 2H, garnered more than 80% of the vote, clearing the way for the city to potentially build its own infrastructure or form a partnership to do so.