A congressional hearing must be held soon on bridging the digital divide in America, U.S. Reps. Greg Walden (R-OR) and Bob Latta (R-OH) urged fellow members serving on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee.
“We write to urge you to hold a hearing to examine ways to close the digital divide so that all Americans may experience the economic, educational and healthcare benefits that access to broadband service provides,” wrote Rep. Walden, ranking member on the E&C Committee, and Rep. Latta, ranking member of the E&C Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, in a June 4 letter sent to E&C Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), and U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA), chairman of the E&C Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for connectivity…. Some Americans who do not have access to reliable broadband connections travel to the nearest parking lot to be able to connect to the Internet,” the members wrote. “It is our duty to examine these issues and work in a bipartisan manner to close the digital divide.”
Earlier this year, the E&C Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing, entitled “Empowering and Connecting Communities through Digital Equity and Internet Adoption,” and heard witness testimony about barriers to broadband adoption, including digital literacy, affordability and access to devices, according to the lawmakers’ letter.
“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, communications companies have stepped up to address these barriers, and many have responded by offering free or reduced services, continuing services for those unable to pay, and offering additional data to make sure Americans remained connected during this time,” Reps. Walden and Latta wrote. “Other companies have donated devices to make sure children are able to do their homework.”
However, millions of Americans who did not have access to broadband in their communities before the current crisis remain without it, they wrote.
“It is critical to examine potential solutions to close the homework gap and simultaneously take steps to reduce regulatory barriers to close the digital divide,” wrote Reps. Walden and Latta. “These actions will promote competition and broadband infrastructure deployment that will long outlast the current crisis.”