47 U.S.C. § 1701
Verified against govinfo.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on govinfo.gov ↗
Congress finds the following:
- (1)Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to full participation in modern life in the United States.
- (2)The persistent “digital divide” in the United States is a barrier to the economic competitiveness of the United States and equitable distribution of essential public services, including health care and education.
- (3)The digital divide disproportionately affects communities of color, lower-income areas, and rural areas, and the benefits of broadband should be broadly enjoyed by all.
- (4)In many communities across the country, increased competition among broadband providers has the potential to offer consumers more affordable, high-quality options for broadband service.
- (5)The 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic has underscored the critical importance of affordable, high-speed broadband for individuals, families, and communities to be able to work, learn, and connect remotely while supporting social distancing.