Building a Better Internet for America

After a year of work, school, political organizing, and socializing via remote video, the pandemic has made clear how essential connectivity is to American life. 

It’s also revealed deep inequalities in internet access: millions are unable to run multiple video calls at once, with many lacking in-home access entirely. Meanwhile, the future of net neutrality remains uncertain. With states like California enforcing their own open internet rules, the federal government may be forced to solve the issue once and for all.

President Joe Biden and Congress aim to address broadband access in the infrastructure policy push this spring, but deeper concerns about net neutrality remain unresolved. So exactly what is the White House proposing, and who will it benefit — both geographically and in terms of business? 

Following an introduction from Nilay Patel, Senator Ed Markey will join The Verge’s Makena Kelly live to dig into the details of Democratic policy proposals around connectivity, net neutrality, and infrastructure. He’ll discuss his thinking regarding these complex policy issues and take live questions from the audience.

Then Makena Kelly will speak with Gigi Sohn, distinguished fellow, Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy. Their discussion will center on how net neutrality and Title II regulation may evolve under the Biden administration, and how new authority at the FCC could help connect all Americans to high-speed broadband by the end of the decade.

This live event is part of Rethinking Connectivity at The Verge. By registering, you will also sign up for emails from the Hill Report, a series tracking the politics of tech regulation one hearing at a time.