Senator Edward Markey (D-MA)

Sen Ed Markey (D-MA) delivered the keynote address at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society's Telecom at 30: Universal Service as the North Star event on March 5. In his remarks, Sen Markey highlighted three continuing gaps in universal service: broadband affordability, digital opportunity, and ensuring equal access to emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence. "The Telecommunications Act was grounded in a simple but powerful idea that communications policy should expand opportunity," said Sen Markey.

Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to act expeditiously in its proceeding regarding the 12.2-12.7 GHz spectrum band while continuing to maintain an evidence-based approach.  With the 12.2-12.7 GHz band, the FCC has a unique near-term opportunity to expand broadband access, improve the distribution of spectrum resources, and put our spectrum to its most efficient use, especially in rural areas of the country.