Remarks of Assistant Secretary Redl at the Federalist Society Executive Branch Review Conference

[Speech] We’re working to ensure that the Internet is open, secure and providing the maximum benefits to the American people. But this administration also understands that we must connect all Americans to truly unlock the promise of the Internet. There are still too many people across the country that lack access to reliable, affordable broadband Internet service – a problem that’s particularly acute in rural America. There are many facets to the digital divide, but one of the toughest challenges is getting broadband networks deployed in rural areas with difficult terrain and low population density. Progress has also been slowed by bureaucracy, including expensive and lengthy application processes and regulatory reviews. That’s why a key part of the administration’s strategy for expanding broadband deployment is removing barriers that slow or block new projects. NTIA is working to improve federal coordination around this goal through an interagency working group that we co-chair alongside the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service. Our efforts are being driven by key recommendations of the president’s Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, which released a report earlier this year on improving life in rural America. Our working group is focusing on three areas: 1) federal permitting, 2) federal funding of broadband projects., and 3) leveraging federal assets for broadband deployment.