The Blade - Latta: Connectivity counts

Op-Ed

By Bob Latta

As we follow recommendations to stay home and distance ourselves from one another, our interconnected world is more important than ever as schools and offices are closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

During phone calls I've had with local leaders over the past two weeks, I've heard from educators, parents of students, and business leaders who are concerned about the divide of opportunities between folks who live in urban communities with more reliable Internet access and folks who live in rural areas without dependable broadband connectivity.

The reality is, many Americans across the country and Ohioans in the district I represent who live in rural areas don't have reliable Internet connectivity. If that doesn't change, they will be left behind.

As the leading Republican on the Communications and Technology Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I teamed up with members of Congress from both sides on legislation that helps improve our broadband-mapping capabilities.

With improved maps identifying where broadband services are needed, we can make sure our limited resources are directed to those who need them most.

One of those bills, the Broadband DATA Act, recently received President Trump's signature. Mr. Trump also signed into law the Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020.

Both laws take key steps to expand access to broadband services and secure our networks.

As more Americans work, learn, and receive care through telehealth from home, the Broadband DATA Act will help us more accurately identify the number of Americans who currently cannot access standard broadband services.

We cannot address communities who need these resources the most without knowing where exactly these communities are.

At the same time, we must prepare our networks for the 5G future and ensure federal agencies work together on a comprehensive plan to identify and address security risks in 5G and future wireless technologies. The Secure 5G and Beyond Act requires exactly that.

It will make sure our federal government works to develop a Secure Next Generation Mobile Communication Strategy to protect the security of 5G communications systems and infrastructure in the United States and assist our allies in maximizing the security of 5G networks in their countries.

The strategy is also intended to protect the competitiveness of U.S. companies, the privacy of American consumers, and the integrity of 5G standards-settings bodies against political influence.

I believe in the resiliency of the people of this country, the commitment of the American worker, and the entrepreneurship of our small business owners. We will get through this.

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