CWA Urges Congress to Prioritize Broadband Investment in Infrastructure Plan

With President Trump declaring a focus on infrastructure this week, CWA President Chris Shelton wrote a letter to Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman John Thune and Ranking Member Bill Nelson, as well as House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Greg Walden and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, urging them to prioritize broadband investment in any national infrastructure plan in order to create good jobs and economic opportunity for all Americans.

Broadband is the essential infrastructure of the 21st century. A high-speed Internet connection provides a gateway to economic development, jobs, education, healthcare, public safety, energy efficiency, civic participation, and communication among friends and family. Yet, the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) ranks the U.S. 16th in the world in broadband access and 13th in terms of average broadband speed.

"High-speed Internet is the foundation for economic activity, employment opportunity, and full participation in our society," Shelton wrote. "To ensure that every community in our nation has access to this critical infrastructure, the Communications Workers of America urges Congress to prioritize broadband in any infrastructure bill through a $100 billion program that includes direct funding, tax incentives, support to schools and libraries, and digital inclusion initiatives."

Read the full letter here.