The COVID-19 pandemic has been a “hyper accelerator” for broadband services, as Oregonians have strived to work, learn, and entertain from their homes.
Chris Tamarin is telecommunications strategist for the Oregon Business Development Department. He said it’s unlikely anything will return to normal once the pandemic subsides.
"We will not be returning to January 2020." said Tamarin. "The forced adoption of telework, telehealth, distance learning and cloud-based network tele-applications of all types has been a proof of concept for many organizations, institutions, leaders and policy makers, that had previously resisted them.”
Tamarin stressed that development and upgrades of broadband for rural and underserved populations will help span the digital divide.
Tamarin made his remarks at the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Economic Summit last week.
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