Billy Long: Reliable broadband connectivity is more important than ever

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

The coronavirus pandemic has tested our nation by drastically changing almost every facet of our lives.

Access to robust and reliable broadband services is more important now than ever and will most certainly be even post-pandemic. 

Expanding access to broadband is one of my top priorities and even more so now that we are so dependent on the internet. With stay at home orders in place, we rely on these services for education, healthcare, and business (teleworking). The opportunities access to broadband internet provides, especially in rural areas, cannot be overstated. 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates 20 million households do not have access to broadband internet. 

With more than 50 million students now schooling at home, we must ensure there is no ‘homework gap’ and provide students with expanded digital learning opportunities – especially in rural areas – that allow them to connect with teachers, classmates, and learn online.

In this new environment, Telehealth also plays a crucial role. It provides immediate access to care, earlier diagnoses, and medical intervention while limiting person-to-person contact. 

Recently, the use of Telehealth (through the CARES Act) was expanded to surge capacity and diagnose and treat patients in a safe and faster manner. 

Last week, the FCC approved a $200 million Telehealth program helping healthcare providers purchase telecommunications, broadband connectivity, and devices necessary for providing these services. 

These recent actions have played a critical role in our response to combatting the coronavirus, ensuring healthcare providers have the resources needed to treat patients from home and freeing up valuable hospital beds while reducing the risk of exposure to the virus.

This new dependency on Telehealth services has also brought the digital divide to the forefront as many seniors, veterans, and Americans with pre-existing conditions in rural communities lack access to basic and reliable broadband services that would facilitate these digital doctor’s appointments.

President Trump recently signed into law legislation (Broadband DATA Act) that updates and improves broadband data mapping capabilities. This will help identify who has broadband internet access and who doesn’t, giving the FCC the ability to prioritize efforts in underserved areas.

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, President Trump’s Administration made commendable progress to expand broadband connectivity and has increased efforts in the wake of COVID-19. 

The FCC has voted to clear regulatory barriers to help tackle the digital divide and will begin to implement the first phase of a $20 billion investment in rural broadband deployments through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) later this year. Combined with existing broadband legislation passed by Congress, we are closer than ever to bridge the digital gap between rural and urban communities.

Between employees teleworking, students learning from home, and doctors treating patients remotely, access to robust, reliable broadband service is critical. I will continue to work with my colleagues to make broadband connectivity a reality for all Americans.

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