Happy 20th Anniversary, Telecommunications Act: A Day to Recommit to Universal Broadband Access

[Commentary] Some people deride the 1996 Act for not mentioning “the Internet” by name, but let’s not forget how the legislation laid out a new regulatory landscape for the Digital Age. Most importantly, Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission to preserve and advance the core American value that everyone must have access to “advanced communications services”—what you and I now call broadband—at affordable prices. The bipartisan Act enshrined “universal service,” even while relying more on competition in the telecommunications marketplace. At the heart of the Telecommunications Act is the belief that media and telecommunications can improve the quality of life for all. That’s a core tenant of Benton’s mission, too, which is why we’re celebrating the commitment the nation made 20 years ago today. But if we want every American to be able to take full advantage of the vast opportunities that broadband can deliver, then we need to focus on connecting the critical gaps in our digital infrastructure. There are a number of places where we could bring broadband that could have great public benefit. Think public transportation, public housing, public lands and parks, public school buses, and public buildings. Extending broadband’s reach to many of these places could be like bringing water to a digital desert.