FCC Commissioner O'Rielly, Rep DelBenne (D-WA) call for expanding broadband access during pandemic

Federal Communications Commissioner Michael O'Rielly and Rep. Suzan DelBenne (D-WA) agreed that the US government needs to help expand internet access to more households as the coronavirus pandemic exposes significant gaps in coverage. Commissioner O'Rielly said that while many classrooms, doctor’s offices and workplaces have moved online, about 20 million Americans don’t have broadband. “COVID-19 didn't bring this issue upon us, but it's made it more prominent.” He said that lack of equipment and affordability are the main obstacles for households who aren't able to log on. At the same online event, Rep DelBenne, co-chair of the Women’s High Tech Caucus, also emphasized the need for connectivity, even for jobs that can’t be done online. “The situation we're in across the country has really highlighted how critical it is that we provide technology access, and particularly broadband,” she said. Francella Ochillo, executive director of Next Century Cities, called for “every stakeholder at the table” to get involved with expanding access to the internet.