The Sputnik Lesson: We Can’t Win the Broadband Race by Slowing Down

Ten years ago, Charles Benton harkened back to the chilly night of October 4, 1957 – when Russia’s Sputnik first flew overhead – to warn us that we faced a generational challenge to ensure America’s scientific leadership in the world. The goal, articulated by President George W. Bush in 2004, was achieving universal, affordable broadband access by 2007. Sadly, ten years later, we’ve failed to reach the goal – and instead of rising to the challenge, policymakers are proposing to lower the bar in order to declare “mission accomplished.” Our nation’s commitment to ubiquitous and affordable communications has never been more important. Like putting a man on the moon, making broadband as common as telephone service must be our national goal. We will only enjoy an information technology revolution if we preserve and strengthen our guarantee of universal, affordable communication access for all Americans.