Promoting a digital future

[Commentary] Laws and regulations must not hold back innovation and modernization. For example, the Universal Service Fund -- a program used to help companies provide telecommunications networks in all parts of the country -- has outdated requirements that prevent rural carriers from receiving subsidies for broadband service unless they also offer landline telephone service. At a time when many people are getting rid of their landlines, this rule makes little sense. This is just one example of a small change the government could make to spend taxpayer dollars more wisely and ensure technology companies and their employees thrive. It is also vital for our continued economic success that we free up additional wireless spectrum for consumer use.

For Coloradans and all Americans, high-speed Internet access is key to competing and excelling in the modern, digital economy. There is much work that needs to be done if we as a nation want to maintain our status as home to the world’s best innovators and entrepreneurs. Critically, we must ensure broadband gets to all parts of our country -- rural, suburban, and urban alike.