THE NEED FOR BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT IN RURAL AMERICA -- (Senate - October 01, 2002)
 

[Page: S9707]

---

   Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, as I have on many occasions, I want to speak to the very important issue of broadband deployment, especially in rural States like my home State of South Dakota. I want to ensure new technology is utilized in ways that will help link rural communities to new and exciting opportunities available via the Internet. New technology will be critical to bringing new jobs, educational opportunities, and health care to South Dakota communities.

   As the Senate considers the various proposals on how best to encourage the deployment of broadband, I want to make absolutely certain that any legislation we pass takes into account the extraordinary challenges we face in rural America to deploy advanced telecommunications services at an affordable cost to consumers. On this point, I must acknowledge and comment on the terrific effort put forth by so many of our rural independent and cooperative telecommunications providers in South Dakota. These companies have taken very seriously their commitment to serving rural communities, and now it's our turn in Congress to do our part towards this effort.

   Not only will broadband deployment assist rural communities in developing new opportunities, I believe increased broadband deployment will help jumpstart our lagging economy. A recent study by an economist with the Brookings Institution concluded that adding more broadband connections could boost the economy by $500 billion per year. To support this finding, computer and technology companies like 

[Page: S9708]
Microsoft, Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Dell, Intel, Corning, Motorola, and NCR have weighed in, saying it is critically important for the United States to adopt a national broadband policy that encourages investment in new broadband infrastructure, applications, and services.

   Broadband deployment should be a national priority in the 21st century. In order to be competitive, educate our workforce, and increase productivity, the United States must have universal broadband. Millions of Americans in rural areas and inner cities are impeded in accessing the full range of services available from the Internet because they do not have access to broadband service. We should strive to connect all Americans to the Internet through broadband technology. I will work with my colleagues to find a way to accomplish this goal in a fair manner that supports broadband deployment throughout all of our Nation.

END