It’s Time for America to Invest in Broadband

[Commentary] This year, Congress and the White House agreed to pump $7 billion into planning and building a nationwide high-speed wireless network for public safety — a system that law enforcement has wanted for years. Also, the FCC is trying to reform the Universal Service Fund (USF), created to ensure basic, affordable phone service for all citizens, so that it would support the buildout of broadband in rural and underserved communities. In this issue, Contributing Writer Emily Montandon details the controversy the FCC’s plan is stirring as the federal government tries to repurpose those USF surcharges that appear on consumers’ phone bills. All these broadband initiatives are expensive, but they’re necessary if the U.S. wants to maintain standing as a superpower in the world economy, which is being driven more by online commerce. I want to see the U.S. set a world record for most money spent on broadband. It wouldn’t be the sexiest accolade, but it might be the most consequential for our future.

(March 30)