FCC Chairman Ajit Pai spoke at Carnegie Melon University in Pittsburgh last week, addressing his views on the importance that broadband become a priority in the infrastructure spending bill. His speech was one of many on a tour to share his broadband agenda in several cities, including Detroit and Cleveland.
Central to Pai’s message is the belief that access to broadband will increase economic opportunity for low-income Americans. His speech called for funds for broadband related projects to be administered through the FCC’s Universal Service Fund to “maximize the impact of these investments” and “minimize waste”. As the chairman continues toward efforts in expanding broadband access, he also aims to dismantle regulation that may hinder these initiatives.
Pai also emphasized that incentives should be put in place for broadband providers to bring connectivity to many overlooked rural communities. He urged Congress to include his proposal for Gigabit Opportunity Zones, which will offer tax incentives to these providers.
