Bringing broadband to everybody

[Commentary] Barriers to broadband adoption still remain, particularly in lower-income communities. As technology moves forward, we are seeing certain communities fall behind. This so-called "digital divide" is unacceptable, and municipal broadband offers the kind of low-cost options these areas desperately need. Localities should have the right to decide how to invest in their broadband infrastructure.

I applaud the President's commitment to this shared goal of expanding broadband access to communities that are missing out, and my legislation aims to ensure that communities have the option of developing broadband networks. When it comes to ensuring that residents have access to affordable and dependable broadband, local communities should be empowered to make the best decisions for their unique needs. In the United States, we don't settle for average, and we shouldn't be satisfied with anything less than universal access to broadband.