Issue Position: Telecommunications & Techonology - Connectivity, Broadband, and the Digital Divide

Issue Position

I believe that good quality, high-speed Internet access is becoming a necessary public utility, and that every American should have access to this service. By many definitions, this service is now known as broadband, whether delivered via an installed line or wireless. In June 2008, broadband penetration reached ninety percent among active Internet users. While this milestone is meaningful, the fact remains that approximately one out of every 10 American households simply cannot purchase a wired broadband product at any price. These Americans are finding themselves left on the wrong side of the "Digital Divide." We must close this divide in order for all Americans to have equal access to information and participation in our democracy.

I support policies that create and enhance connectivity options for all Americans, including faster and more reliable Internet and bringing network neutral content into any home that wishes to receive it. We must not close ourselves off from technological and competitive advances such as fiber-optics to increase bandwidth capabilities and municipal broadband systems that promise to bring the benefits of broadband to more people.

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