Regulators must prioritize getting all Americans connected

Like many across our nation, I’m proud to see the Biden Administration on the verge of fulfilling a promise that has eluded us for far too long – the realization of historic infrastructure investments that will revitalize our country. President Biden’s commitment to rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure is a testament to his dedication to creating jobs and ensuring that every American has access to the opportunities they need to thrive. These achievements also stand in stark contrast to the actions of the Trump Administration, which repeatedly promised to get an infrastructure deal done, but never exhibited the pragmatism or bipartisan abilities to do so.    

However, as we stand on the precipice of this achievement, it is crucial that we address the push for overreach in certain areas, particularly in the realm of broadband policy. Recently, key federal agencies like the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have floated overly intrusive broadband policies that would ultimately undermine our ability to effectively close the digital divide. We cannot afford to let overregulation deter investment in broadband expansion, discourage innovation, and leave our communities waiting.  

For example, the NTIA’s price cap proposals for Broadband Equity and Access Development (BEAD) program, which will expand broadband infrastructure to rural areas that have been without access for far too long, risk deterring leading internet providers from participating in effective public-private partnerships. The new, overreaching Title II reclassification for internet providers could similarly hurt innovation and investment while undermining our ability to achieve the very goals we seek to achieve through the historic bipartisan infrastructure law.   

This goal is too important to squander – we must ensure that our policies encourage collaboration and investment, rather than creating barriers that hinder progress. The Biden Administration must prioritize promoting competition and innovation in the broadband market and ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable, high-speed internet. We must work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to develop policies that incentivize investment in underserved areas and promote sustainable, long-term solutions to bridge the digital divide. 

If the Administration is successful in effectively rolling out these broadband investments, there is no telling how formative and positive an impact it could have on the lives of Arizonans that have for too long been without the connectivity needed for the modern world. Students on the wrong side of the Homework Gap will soon gain access to the online learning resources required to achieve their fullest educational potential, those without a connection in rural areas will soon gain access to much-needed telehealth services, and businesses in our community will be able to continue to grow.  

All of these life changing effects will be in large part thanks to President Biden making good on his promise to pass common sense policies that work for all Americans. But we must make sure that overregulation does not get in the way. Regulators in Washington must rethink these overly restrictive regulations and prioritize getting all Americans connected.