As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the global economy, rural America still faces challenges in accessing the broadband needed to participate. Before joining Mower, Stephen Sementilli and Emily Spencer walked separate paths in broadband advocacy, advising telecommunication companies and coalitions of businesses and nonprofits to help communities bridge digital gaps. Once they found themselves on the same team, the overlap in their experiences became clear. Together they now bring a fuller perspective to Mower clients navigating the evolving challenges of digital inclusion in an era of AI.
Q: What role have public affairs firms played in rural broadband campaigns?
Stephen: For decades, the world’s largest telecommunications companies and coalitions of businesses and nonprofits have relied on public affairs firms to drive these campaigns. We craft strategic messaging that influences legislation and public perception, while coordinating with lobbying groups that secure funding and supportive policies. These efforts keep rural broadband a national priority and open the door for communities to benefit from AI-driven opportunities.
Q: How have past efforts shaped where we are today?
Emily: Historically, the digital divide left rural areas disconnected. Back in 2009, the FCC reported 26 million Americans without broadband access due to high infrastructure costs. Through the Universal Service Fund, $47.3 billion was invested between 2009 and 2017, lowering that number to 24 million. These campaigns also advanced digital literacy, which research shows can boost household income by up to 6% in connected rural areas by enabling access to online education and AI-driven job markets.
Q: What makes today’s moment different?
Stephen: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocates $65 billion, including $42.5 billion for the BEAD Program, to expand rural broadband access. Beyond infrastructure, those funds help to equip communities with digital literacy so they can take advantage of telehealth, remote work and precision agriculture powered by AI. Today’s campaigns advocate for expanded affordable access, ensuring rural residents can engage with AI technologies shaping the global AI market, projected to be impacted by up to $15.7 trillion from AI by 2030.
Q: Looking forward, what challenges remain?
Emily: New technologies like 6G and fixed wireless access will help, but challenges remain, including inaccurate broadband data and limited digital literacy. Campaigns need to keep emphasizing both awareness and advocacy, guiding communities to secure funding and training. Without that, rural areas risk falling further behind in an AI-driven economy.
Q: How does this experience inform your work at Mower?
Stephen: Collectively, Emily and I have worked on telecommunication policy for over two decades before joining Mower. We know the issues and how to build coalitions, design messaging that resonates, and generate earned media that shapes public perception and policy discussions.
Emily: For organizations working on broadband expansion or digital inclusion today, Mower can apply this experience along with our broader public affairs and PR expertise to help them reach stakeholders, engage policymakers, and tell a story that drives action.
Looking Ahead
Rural broadband advocacy is entering a new era. With massive federal investments and the rise of AI, public affairs campaigns have never been more important or more complex. Drawing on Stephen and Emily’s experience, combined with Mower’s integrated communications capabilities, the agency is well-positioned to help organizations expand access, promote digital literacy and ensure rural communities can thrive in the years ahead.