Tech-Forward Co-ops: Pioneering a More Connected Future
Electric cooperatives have long been the backbone of rural America, providing essential utilities to their communities. According to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), cooperatives power 56% of the United States landmass and provide electricity to 42 million people, including 92% of counties with persistent poverty. And now, more than 250 electric cooperatives are expanding or planning to expand rural broadband access.
Reaching more of the 8.3 million U.S. homes and businesses still lacking high-speed broadband access won’t be easy. Co-ops need the right equipment and technology to overcome a host of challenges and quickly expand broadband accessibility to build a more connected future for all.
Top Challenges in Expanding Fiber Broadband
Let’s explore some key challenges cooperatives encounter when expanding fiber broadband to rural areas.
- Labor Shortages: Electric cooperatives are working to attract new workers and retain their current workforce. Co-ops face unfamiliar recruiting and retention pressure, with thousands of workers leaving the industry in recent years. The demand for broadband infrastructure far outpaces the availability of qualified technicians, and this gap affects the pace of deployment and co-ops’ ability to maintain new fiber broadband infrastructure.
- Financial Complexities: Building fiber broadband infrastructure in rural areas is expensive. In 2021, Congress introduced the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offered monthly subsidies to eligible low-income households, easing the financial burden of broadband services. This program not only helped expand fiber broadband services for low-income families in rural areas but also empowered rural providers to deliver the highest quality service at an affordable rate. However, the ACP ended in June 2024 due to a lack of additional funding, forcing electric co-ops to explore alternative strategies to maintain and expand their broadband services while keeping costs manageable for their communities.
- Risk Mitigation: Expanding fiber networks pose risks to those who work near energized power lines and poles in rural areas and work long hours in harsh conditions. With most fiber broadband expansion being done in remote locations, it’s vital that workers stay connected so they can communicate effectively, receive timely support, and respond swiftly to emergencies and operational issues. Electric co-ops must do all they can to ensure they mitigate risks for field teams while maintaining high standards of service to the communities in remote locations.
Panasonic Connect’s Role in Supporting Co-ops
Panasonic Connect solutions offer a comprehensive toolkit to address these obstacles, enabling co-ops to efficiently deliver fiber broadband access to their communities across the U.S.
The combination of TOUGHBOOK devices, integrated software, and a full suite of services provided by Panasonic Connect supports electric co-ops’ initiatives to expand fiber broadband in several ways, including:
- Connectivity and Real-Time Data: Panasonic Connect provides co-ops with rugged computing devices equipped with advanced connectivity options. These devices support various communication technologies like 4G and 5G to provide access to real-time data and remote imaging, even in rural areas. This connectivity enables field teams to perform tasks efficiently, stay in constant communication, and make informed decisions based on up-to-date information, ultimately enhancing the deployment and maintenance of fiber broadband infrastructure. The ability to identify issues through remote imaging on TOUGHBOOK devices also enables workers to make more informed decisions when dealing with energized power lines and poles. By providing real-time visual data, workers can remotely assess the condition of equipment and infrastructure, identify potential hazards, and determine the best course of action with the appropriate proximity to high-voltage areas.
- Reliability and Durability: TOUGHBOOK devices are built with mobile, remote, and rugged workers in mind, making them ideal for the challenging environments in which electric cooperatives operate. The devices are built to withstand extreme weather conditions and the high demands of fieldwork, ensuring they remain operational even in harsh conditions. This reliability minimizes downtime and limits maintenance issues that may occur with consumer-grade devices, so co-ops can maintain a steady workflow and keep broadband expansion projects on track. The durability of TOUGHBOOK devices helps maximize the productivity of a more limited workforce, enabling every worker to perform multiple tasks no matter where they are and ultimately get more done.
- Meeting Co-ops Where They Are: Panasonic Connect provides a suite of support services tailored to the needs of electric cooperatives. This includes everything from initial setup, imaging, and deployment to ongoing technical support and training for limited IT teams. Remote assistance, software updates, and repair services ensure that co-ops can maintain device health, performance, and operational efficiency. By offering holistic support services, Panasonic Connect helps co-ops navigate the complexities of solution management and stay focused on their core mission of delivering broadband access to their communities. Additionally, Panasonic Connect can work with electric co-ops to spread the cost over several years while still equipping workers with the technology they need to efficiently expand fiber broadband access. This financial flexibility allows cooperatives to invest in the tools they need to maintain high operational standards without straining their budgets.
There will be an increasing demand for fast, reliable internet as the population grows and our lives become ever more connected, with individuals continuing to work from anywhere. Co-ops can stay ahead by continually upgrading their fiber broadband networks and expanding coverage to make sure no part of the country is left behind. By leveraging tools like TOUGHBOOK devices and Panasonic Connect’s suite of solutions, co-ops can continue to serve their communities by enabling remote work, supporting local businesses, and attracting new enterprises to rural communities.
Learn more about how Panasonic Connect helps energy and utility companies perform at their best so they can continue delivering top-tier service to their communities.
