Hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee - Opening Statement of Rep. Wicker, Hearing on Advancing the Internet of Things in Rural America

Hearing

Today, the subcommittee meets to examine the Internet of Things. Our discussion will focus on how to advance the availability and accessibility of these technologies in rural America. I am glad to convene this hearing with my good friend and colleague Ranking Member Schatz.

The Internet of Things encompasses a diverse market of internet-connected devices, machines, and physical objects. Over the past few years, we have seen an increasing number of physical objects like refrigerators and washing machines take on "smarter" capabilities through internet-connected sensors. Internet connectivity enables these things to collect data and share actionable insights to consumers and businesses alike. This information allows the user to be more productive, efficient, and cost-effective. It is changing our economy.

Beyond generating simple conveniences, Internet of Things technologies are taking on more significant and vital roles in our lives. They are making us safer, improving our health, and opening up opportunities for economic advancement in both urban and rural communities.

In our rural communities in particular, Internet of Things technologies, such as telemedicine, are making a big impact. In my home state, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, which is represented here today, is providing life-saving health-care services through innovative telehealth applications. Physicians are remotely monitoring and diagnosing patients. This remote access can offer specialty care that is not readily available in many rural communities.

Our first responders are also using telemedicine to communicate and provide treatment in the field. For example, first responders can consult with emergency personnel in hospitals through video applications. This is accelerating the delivery of care and saving lives.

Underlying these IoT technologies and their economic and societal benefits are reliable broadband connections and mobile broadband services. Internet connectivity is absolutely essential to the adoption of these technologies. As IoT technologies become smarter and increasingly sophisticated, they will require seamless and reliable internet connectivity to achieve the promised health, safety, and economic benefits.

To that end, it is vitally important that the Federal Communications Commission take steps to ensure that the Universal Service Fund program provide adequate and predictable support to help preserve and expand broadband in rural and underserved communities. It is also important for the Commission to collect accurate and reliable coverage data for programs, like Phase II of the Mobility Fund, before making new funding decisions. We should ensure the delivery of essential communications services to communities in need first.

In addition to accelerating the deployment of broadband in our rural areas, cybersecurity will be key to advancing the economic success of the Internet of Things market. Large-scale data breaches have understandably shaken consumers' confidence and trust. Fortified security measures will help strengthen the United States' leadership role and competitiveness in the IoT market around the world.

The Internet of Things marks an exciting space for digital innovation in this country. There is significant economic potential associated with these technological developments. Today, I look forward to learning from our witnesses about the how the IoT is bringing vital services to rural America and creating opportunities for investment, innovation, and job creation. I welcome all the witnesses here today and thank them for their testimonies.

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