Bridging the digital divide has never been more critical

Money spent getting high-speed internet into more people’s hands is money well spent. Every dollar invested in broadband returns nearly four dollars to the economy. In addition to expanding the reach of networks, we must focus on the cost issue. Broadband is surely an essential need for all Americans in the 21st century. Just as we help those who cannot afford food, housing or medical care to access these necessities, so should we ensure that online opportunities extend to those living on the economic edge. While there is much that Democrats and Republicans cannot agree on, they share a conviction in the criticality of broadband to economic recovery. Both parties have declared their commitment to reducing the digital divide, with myriad proposals before Congress in potential COVID-19 recovery legislation, infrastructure modernization bills and stand-alone telecom proposals. Despite this year’s setbacks, we have the opportunity to form a more perfect union, to set ourselves and future generations up for more robust and inclusive growth. Policymakers can take a critical step on that journey this year — immediately, in fact. It’s never too late to do the right thing.

[Bruce Mehlman served as assistant secretary of Commerce for technology policy and is a founding co-chair of the Internet Innovation Alliance]