Internet for All: Building a Future-Proof Network

The Decision and Its Importance

High-speed internet is now considered as vital as roads and bridges. A year ago, a big decision was made to ensure every home and business in the U.S. has access to it. A huge amount of money, $42.5 billion, was set aside for this purpose. The idea is simple: in today's world, the internet is not a luxury but a necessity for work, school, and healthcare.

Building Infrastructure: A Long-Term Project

Building infrastructure is a long-term project. It's not something that can be rushed or changed with every election. Take the interstate highway system, for example. It was started under one president but completed under many others. Its success came from consistent effort over many years.

Changes to the Original Plan

Recently, there have been changes to the original plan for broadband internet. Some rules and priorities have been adjusted. This is normal in politics, but it raises an important question: Are we focusing on quick fixes or building something that will last for decades?

The Shift in Technology Focus

Early plans focused on fiber networks, which can grow with demand. But now, there's a shift towards quicker and cheaper technologies, especially for remote areas. This trade-off is not just about technology. It's about whether rural communities will have internet that can keep up in the future.

Pennsylvania's Plan: A Case Study

Pennsylvania's plan shows this tension. Most places will get fiber, but some will rely on satellite or wireless service. This might be reasonable, but people deserve to know what they're getting. They should understand the speed, cost, and quality of their internet service.

Affordability and Usability

Affordability and usability are also important. If people can't afford or use the internet, then it's not really a connection at all. Pennsylvania has seen what happens when infrastructure is not maintained properly. The same could happen with broadband if it's not built and overseen carefully.

The Need for Long-Term Planning

Broadband might be invisible, but it's just as essential as roads and bridges. If it's going to serve the public for generations, it needs to be built and managed with long-term planning and accountability.