Thread by @Benton_Inst

#InfrastructureWeek has arrived!

This #Infrastructure bill is about more than money.

It is also a bold commitment to universal broadband that we should recognize and celebrate.

benton.org/blog/infrastru…
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Congress has included critical language that lays the foundation for the broadband future we are about to embark upon.

This historic law is focused squarely on connecting every American to a whole new generation of opportunity.

In the legislation, Congress finds that:

Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to full participation in modern life in the United States.

The persistent ‘‘digital divide’’ in the US is a barrier to the economic competitiveness of the US and equitable distribution of essential public services, including health care and education.

The #digitaldivide disproportionately affects communities of color, lower-income areas, and rural areas, and the benefits of broadband should be broadly enjoyed by all.

In many communities across the country, increased #competition among broadband providers has the potential to offer consumers more affordable, high-quality options for broadband service.

A broadband connection and #digitalliteracy are increasingly critical to how individuals participate in the society, economy, and civic institutions of the US; and access health care and essential services, obtain education, and build careers.

Digital exclusion carries a high societal and economic cost; materially harms the opportunity of an individual with respect to the economic success, educational achievement, positive health outcomes, social inclusion, and civic engagement of that individual; and (cont)

exacerbates existing wealth and income gaps, especially those experienced by covered populations.

Achieving digital equity for all people of the US requires additional and sustained investment and research efforts.

The Federal Government, as well as State, tribal, territorial, and local governments, have made social, legal, and economic obligations that necessarily extend to how the citizens and residents of those governments access and use the internet.

Achieving digital equity is a matter of social and economic justice and is worth pursuing.

This renewed and updated Congressional commitment to universal service is astounding. This really is our broadband moment—and Congress has stood up, recognizing broadband's essential role in modern life and providing the foundation to ensure everyone has affordable access.

The #Infrastructure bill, after all, is about more than money. It is about commitment. It is about the value of connection. Let's seize this opportunity to make the U.S. more equitable and more just.

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benton.org/blog/infrastru…