Advocacy Groups Press Congress for Faster Future-Proof Broadband

NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Fiber Broadband Association, INCOMPAS, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Public Knowledge released a statement urging Congress to take bold action on broadband infrastructure. “Better, faster broadband for all is a national priority for students, families, and small businesses across America’s rural communities and urban neighborhoods," the statement reads. "As Congress continues its negotiations for an infrastructure plan, we stand together to call for funding that will enable every American to access 21st century broadband infrastructure. Those communities without wired 25/3 Mbps should be prioritized, with additional areas that are unserved at successively higher speeds included as funding permits. As entities receive funds to deploy broadband, Congress should require they build networks that will be scalable over time to meet the online needs of their communities. These future-proofed networks will support public safety, small business growth, education and telemedicine needs while enabling precision agriculture, powering 5G technology, and allowing for real-time, two-way communications by many users at the same location. The minimum speed for eligible projects to receive funds should be 100/100 Mbps. The US cannot afford to fall behind on deploying networks that are fast enough to support the education needs of today and the jobs of the future."