We Must Close the Digital Divide

During the summer of 2021, the Senate gave overwhelming approval to $65 billion for broadband access in the bipartisan infrastructure bill. The pandemic had clearly captured the attention of elected officials. The ultimate success of this initiative depends first on Congress’ final approval, then on the Federal Communications Commission and other government agencies being ready to move quickly in allocating funds. Jessica Rosenworcel is now serving as the FCC’s acting chairperson, and the commission’s five-member panel currently has one vacancy. President Joe Biden should formally nominate Rosenworcel to serve as chair and fill the other position without delay. The cost of postponing a formal nomination is too great. Rosenworcel understands the nature of the problem, has long worked to address it and knows how to get the job done. Once the FCC gets the resources Congress has appropriated, it needs to have skilled and experienced leaders who care about these issues and who can ensure that the funds are distributed equitably. It will be a lost opportunity of historic proportions if we fall short because the FCC lacks the right leader when Rosenworcel is ready, willing and able to lead this massive effort. It is past time for the president to designate her as the permanent FCC chair if his administration truly wants to close the digital divide once and for all.

[Dr. Charles E Lewis Jr. is head of the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy.]