Bridging the Digital Divide
Empowering a Connected Future
The Broadband Institute (BI) is a national non-profit organization committed to driving innovation and prioritizing solutions that ensure the broadband industry has a diverse and well-trained workforce. We focus on building the next generation of professionals by addressing workforce shortages through training and development initiatives.
Our Mission
The Broadband Institute engages veterans and young adults, guiding them into rewarding careers in the broadband industry. We aim to bridge the gap between unserved communities and career opportunities, ensuring that our workforce is as diverse and dynamic as the industry itself.
Talent is in every community, but opportunities are not.
We are on a mission to launch groundbreaking engagement and learning opportunities that do more than educate — programs that transform communities, opening new pathways to innovation and opportunity.
Bridging the Digital Divide
As the digital landscape reshapes our economy, countless new career opportunities have been created. Unfortunately, for many, they remain out of reach.
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Access to world-class training, high speed broadband, and connected devices are foundational for individuals to master new skills and obtain industry certifications. Without them, qualified talent is left behind and employers will struggle with a lack of skilled labor.
Begins with Awareness
Most potential workers are not aware that there exists a broadband industry, nor do they know how to enter the relevant field in the Industry.
The Broadband Institute implements and manages national outreach strategies to promote the broadband industry and its job opportunities to students, veteran service organizations, veterans, transitioning military, and multicultural groups.
Digital Literacy
In response to the needs of many job seekers who lack basic digital skills needed to obtain and retain employment, as well as perform routine tasks in daily life, The Broadband Institute is committed to provide access to learning in three primary areas:
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Essential Computer Skills - Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Mac OS
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Essential Software Skills - Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs
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Technology for Daily Life - Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Accessing Telehealth Appointments, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning
Innovative and Comprehensive Approach
Tackling the industry’s workforce challenges and addressing societies digital literacy gaps is complex and requires a dedicated, collective local effort.​
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That’s why, building on the successes of the industry’s leading workforce organizations, we are poised to amplify the industry and deliver skills development to ensure veterans and young adults are fully trained and career-ready.​​
The Numbers
40%
Up to 40% of candidates do not meet the necessary qualifications for skilled positions in the broadband sector. (Fiber Broadband Association)
200,000
The broadband industry is facing a severe labor shortage, with an estimated need for over 205,000 additional fiber technicians to deploy and upgrade the nation's communications networks.(Telecommunications Industry Association)
26%
The number of telecommunications workers has declined by 26% between 2013 and 2023, largely due to an aging workforce.
(Telecommunications Industry Association)
75%
75% of broadband organizations expect project delays due to insufficient skilled labor, particularly in rural and less dense areas where deploying infrastructure is already challenging. (Fiber Broadband
Association)
50%
Over 50% of broadband organizations state that their local talent pipeline is insufficient to meet current and future workforce needs. The shortage is most pronounced in technical roles that require specialized training and certifications. (Capcon Networks)
450,000
The industry must compete with high-tech sectors like software development, AI, and renewable energy,
which often offer more lucrative salaries. (The Center for Growth and Opportunity, At Utah State University.)
"At the Broadband Institute we uphold the belief that while potential is universal, access should be inclusive – extending to every person and every community.
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That’s why we are dedicated to ensuring that individuals have opportunities to develop the skills needed to thrive in our digital economy.”
Eric Rozencwaig
CEO, Broadband Institute