Getting to a gig: Why cities need high-speed broadband now

[Commentary] While there are real disagreements in principle that divide Republicans and Democrats, one issue that should unite all of us is that next-generation broadband is essential, 21st century infrastructure.

As mayors, we share the conviction that high-speed Internet will be a central catalyst for the success of our cities in the decades to come. It is this belief that propelled our cities to become “gigabit communities” before most Americans even knew what a gigabit was. Now we want to issue a challenge to leaders and policymakers across the country to work together to ensure every community can get to a gig. Many of the outcomes vital to thriving cities -- from a healthy economy, to a good education, to innovative government -- will depend on high-speed Internet in the 21stcentury. If we want every town and city to reap these rewards, it’s time to apply our collective effort to two key steps: the first is to clear away barriers to these gigabit opportunities; the second is for cities to begin directly collaborating to realize their gigabit aspirations.