Commissioner Gomez's Remarks at SHLB USF Conference

This country has long valued ensuring connectivity for all—regardless of income, location, or circumstance. The Universal Service Fund or USF has been an essential part of that promise, providing the funding necessary to connect millions of Americans. Whether through a phone line, broadband connection, or both, access to communications has been critical for economic opportunity and equality. When we invest in connectivity, we invest in people. We invest in their futures. We invest in the next generation’s ability to learn, in rural communities’ access to healthcare, and in working families’ ability to thrive in an increasingly digital world. And it is always important to remember the big picture, ensuring widespread access to broadband is a key ingredient to continued economic leadership.  The Universal Service Fund supports essential programs that address that goal by reaching nearly every corner of the country: More than 54 million students, and over 132,000 schools and library sites rely on the ERate program for internet access. This ensures that no child is left behind due to lack of broadband....  In recent years, members of both parties have come together in an effort to protect and strengthen the USF. However, despite this broad support, the program remains under threat. There is no way that we can ensure connectivity for all if we accept that market forces and realities will simply leave schools, hospitals, and low-income people -- especially those in hard to reach areas -- on the wrong side of the digital divide. Failure to protect the program would disproportionately impact those who need connectivity the most, deepening economic and social inequalities. For decades, the USF has stood as a promise to the American people: that no community will be left behind in the digital age. We must honor that promise. The stakes are too high to turn back now.