Strong broadband matters more than ever: Let's build it right.

We need to prioritize our communications networks to bring high-quality fiber broadband from coast to coast. Meeting today’s connectivity demands requires investment in sustainable networks — and that means fiber broadband. Fiber broadband is a superior technology that provides much greater bandwidth and speeds for more robust video, internet, and voice services. The accelerated deployment of fiber broadband infrastructure is essential to close the digital divide, provide strong networks to support our changing online needs, and build resilience against existential threats such as pandemics. And once we deploy fiber in a community, it is a gift that keeps on giving. Fiber not only connects homes, schools, businesses, and anchor institutions to the internet, but also provides necessary critical infrastructure for 5G, towers, wireless networks, the Internet of Things, and smart city applications.

Broadband has never been more important. Now is the time to include fiber broadband funding into stimulus legislation to bridge the digital divide once and for all. Let’s build once and build right with future-proof fiber networks.

[Lisa R. Youngers is President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association.]