Bridging the urban-rural broadband divide

Thanks to Congress’ work on the infrastructure law, America has the funding to make internet coverage reliable nationwide. Where broadband goes, economic growth and educational opportunity follow. But despite the federal government’s efforts, including decades of work and billions of dollars, too many Americans still lack reliable connection, an unacceptable fact in today’s digital world. The problem boils down to bureaucratic disorganization. Today, over 100 separate initiatives, managed by 15 individual federal agencies, have been deployed to address the digital urban-rural divide. This fragmented approach has led to inefficiencies and wasted resources. To help solve this, I have introduced legislation that would coordinate these efforts and bring communities online faster. My bill, the PLAN for Broadband Act, would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to create a national strategy to synchronize those broadband initiatives. By harmonizing these programs, we can efficiently allocate resources to the communities that need them most, and at a higher speed and a lower price tag.

[Sen Roger Wicker is Mississippi’s senior senator and the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee. He also serves on the Commerce, Environment and Public Works and Rules and Administration committees.]