Zayo is proud to announce Brian Dalhover, VP, SLED Engineering & Policy, has joined the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board of Directors. This appointment marks a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to reliable, high-speed connectivity for all communities.
In this Q&A, Brian Dalhover discusses USAC and Zayo’s shared focus on closing the digital divide, the challenges facing digital equity, and the steps Zayo is taking to overcome them.
How does USAC’s mission align with Zayo’s digital equity efforts?
BD: USAC’s mission to achieve universal service closely aligns with Zayo’s commitment to promoting digital equity. Both organizations understand the significance of bridging the digital divide to ensure that all communities — regardless of location or socioeconomic status — have access to reliable, high-quality connectivity.
As a new member of the Board of Directors, I bring over 20 years of experience designing, installing, configuring, and maintaining optical networks and cybersecurity infrastructure. I aim to leverage this technical expertise to offer a fresh perspective, enabling the board to make more informed recommendations and decisions as we work to advance USAC’s mission.
What role does Zayo play in bridging the digital divide for school districts and rural areas?
BD: Zayo is dedicated to enabling equitable access by deploying robust fiber networks and supporting initiatives that empower communities with the tools needed to thrive in a connected world. Zayo participates in many USAC funding programs, supporting their focus on bringing broadband to underserved communities like schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities to enhance their digital infrastructure.
What emerging trends in education technology do you see as critical for shaping the future of digital equity?
BD: Several emerging trends in education technology are critical for shaping the future of digital equity. If I had to limit the list to a few, I would suggest the following:
- Expanding Broadband Access: High-speed internet is foundational for digital equity. Efforts to increase broadband availability in underserved and rural areas and affordable connectivity options are even more crucial now for bridging the digital divide.
- Adaptive and Inclusive Learning Technologies: AI-powered platforms that personalize learning experiences and assistive technologies, such as text-to-speech and translation tools, are essential for addressing diverse student needs. These tools ensure equitable access to quality education by tailoring content to various learning styles, paces, and abilities.
- Hybrid and Remote Learning Models: The continued shift toward flexible learning environments has highlighted the importance of providing devices and connectivity for all students, ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of their physical location.
- Digital Skills Training: Equipping students with essential digital literacy and STEM skills is critical to preparing them for the modern workforce and empowering them to participate fully in a connected world.
- Community Partnerships: Collaboration between schools, nonprofits, and government initiatives can amplify efforts to provide resources, training, and infrastructure to underserved communities, fostering more significant equity in education.
When strategically implemented, these trends have the potential to level the playing field and ensure that all learners have access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
How does Zayo’s infrastructure contribute to improved digital learning experiences?
BD: Zayo’s robust infrastructure significantly enhances digital learning experiences by providing the high-speed, reliable connectivity essential for modern education. As the eighth-largest Internet service provider in the world, we operate an extensive global fiber network that enables low-latency and high-capacity Internet access, even in areas where connectivity has historically been limited.
Our infrastructure supports bandwidth-intensive applications like videoconferencing, virtual reality (VR) learning environments, and AI-driven educational platforms, ensuring that students and educators can access these tools without interruption. Our emphasis on scalable solutions also means that schools, universities, and libraries can expand their digital capabilities as technology evolves, staying ahead of future demands.
By connecting communities to world-class digital infrastructure, we help bridge the digital divide, empowering learners everywhere with the resources needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
BD: What are the biggest challenges in achieving digital equity, and how is Zayo helping to address them?
Achieving digital equity presents several significant challenges, including:
- Access to Reliable Connectivity: Many rural and underserved communities still lack high-speed internet, which is critical for education, healthcare, and economic participation.
- Affordability: Even when internet access is available, high costs can prevent low-income households from benefiting fully.
- Digital Literacy: A lack of digital skills and knowledge can limit the effective use of technology, perpetuating inequities in education and employment.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Building and maintaining advanced network infrastructure in remote or economically disadvantaged areas can be cost-prohibitive and logistically challenging.
Zayo is addressing these challenges by leveraging its position as the 8th largest ISP in the world and its extensive global fiber network. Specifically:
- Expanding Access: Zayo invests in building fiber networks in underserved regions, ensuring that communities previously excluded from the digital economy can access reliable, high-speed internet.
- Scalable Solutions: Zayo offers scalable bandwidth options, enabling schools, libraries, and community organizations to meet growing connectivity demands without significant additional costs.
- Affordability Partnerships: Zayo collaborates with government programs and nonprofits to lower barriers to access for low-income communities.
- Advancing Technology Education: Zayo supports initiatives promoting digital literacy and STEM education, empowering individuals to use the connectivity and tools available.
By addressing these challenges head-on, Zayo helps create opportunities for underserved communities and enables equitable participation in an increasingly digital world.