Media

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced a resolution recognizing the importance of rural broadband and emphasizing the need to invest in broadband expansion. This bipartisan resolution was cosponsored by 47 Members of Congress.

“As Congress continues to make legislative decisions regarding broadband, we must ensure that rural America is not left behind,” said Congressman Baird.  “High-quality internet access is essential for millions of Americans to learn and work in this increasingly digitally-dependent world, and I’m committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to eliminate the digital divide and bring reliable broadband to our rural communities.”

Background:

Downloads, video streaming, and many common digital activities require high-speed internet connections. According to a 2020 report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 22.3 percent of rural Americans lack access to 25 Mbps/3Mbps service, which is the FCC’s minimum standard for broadband internet. Conversely, only 1.5 percent of urban Americans are without access to these same speeds.