High-Speed Broadband: Driving America’s Growth

Why Washington?

We believe the federal government must play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide. The involvement of Washington lawmakers and policy-setters is crucial to solving the problem.

Certainly states and local communities should be encouraged – and enabled – to address these needs. But just as it took the federal government to finally bring electricity to all Americans – not just to the wealthy in urban areas – it will take a nationwide effort to connect all Americans to ultra-fast broadband.

We’re here to exchange ideas about solutions with Washington's broadband champions – and to debate how best America can lead, and not get left behind, in the tech revolution.

What Broadband Leaders Are Saying

"Telehealth is a game-changer for rural veterans. It breaks through the barriers of cost, time and distance. Bringing rehabilitation services to the veteran's living room can connect patients with the care they might otherwise struggle to receive."

Thomas Klobucar, PhD

Executive Director, Office of Rural Health, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

"The bottom line: no internet, no business."

Rep. Peter Welch

(D-Vt.)

“One of the top issues I hear about is the need to bring fast, reliable internet to our rural areas. For education, for jobs, for medicine, broadband is really essential to helping rural communities thrive today.”

Sen. Ron Wyden

(D-Ore.)

“Broadband connectivity has become vital in our 21st century economy…. Accurate broadband availability maps are essential for us to evaluate who has access and who does not.”

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito

(R-W.Va.), Co-chair Senate Broadband Caucus

“I believe the future belongs to the connected. No matter who you are or where you live in this country, you need access to modern communications to have a fair shot at 21st century success.”

Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel

Federal Communications Commission

“As we rely more on technology in our everyday lives, we have to make sure that every family has access to broadband, regardless of their zip code.”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar

(D-Minn.), Co-chair Senate Broadband Caucus

“I strongly believe that in 2019, we shouldn’t be a country of haves and have-nots when it comes to using the internet… Congress can and should help states, counties, tribes and others do more to close the growing digital divide… it’s the right thing to do.”

Sen. Patty Murray

(D-Wash.)

“We are leaving thousands of people on the sidelines. Significant human capital and economic development suffer without access to high-speed internet.”

Rep. Rob Wittman

(R-Va.), Co-chair Rural Broadband Caucus

“If we don’t act to connect all of America to the internet, we will absolutely be left behind.”

Jannine Miller

former Senior Advisor for Rural Infrastructure, USDA

“Broadband access is not a luxury. It is a necessity equal to roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. Access to the internet expands economic and social opportunities for commerce and strengthens our economy.”

Sen. Angus King

(I-Maine)

“The internet is a powerful tool that has become instrumental in economic and social mobility and civic engagement.”

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono

(D-Hawaii)