Commissioner Starks Remarks at Rural Broadband Roundtable

The persistent problem of the digital divide is hardening into a state of “Internet Inequality.” We know that millions of Virginians still lack access to high-quality affordable broadband. But, because of flaws in how the Federal Communications Commission collects its broadband data, we don’t actually know where they all are. That’s a cause for concern, and I am pleased that our friends in Congress sitting here today are also working to require the FCC to secure reliable broadband deployment data. For too long, the FCC has subsidized networks that are obsolete by the time they are built. Less than 10 years ago we subsidized “broadband’ service at download speeds of just 4 Mbps. We all know those speeds won’t cut it today. Universal Service Fund dollars are too scarce and too badly needed to be spent building networks that will be obsolete before we are able to get everyone connected. The FCC should be working to ensure everyone gets access to high-speed networks that will meet Virginians’ needs for years to come.