Statement of Chairman Pai on the Introduction of the Gigabit Opportunity Act

Introduced by Sen Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), the Gigabit Opportunity (GO) Act is an important step toward closing the digital divide, and one that has my full support. Next-generation networks are increasingly critical to economic opportunity, job creation, and civic engagement. But too many parts of rural and urban America can’t attract the investment needed to deploy those networks. With targeted tax incentives and regulatory streamlining, the GO Act aims to remove the major barriers holding back Internet access in economically challenged areas.

I commend Sen Capito for her vision of extending digital opportunity to all Americans. The Federal Communications Commission shares that vision and stands ready to provide any necessary assistance to Congress as it considers this critical legislation.