Raimondo Reaffirmed the Administration’s Support for Ensuring States Have Flexibility to Effectively Deploy Broadband in Unserved Communities

Press Release
April 27, 2022
Contact: Jon Conradi
[email protected]

Washington, D.C. – Connect Americans Now (CAN) executive director Richard T. Cullen released the following statement Wednesday following a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation on the “Department of Commerce Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Priorities.” During the hearing, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo reiterated her support for flexibility in implementing federal broadband resources and commitment to prioritizing connecting unserved communities first.

“Connect Americans Now (CAN) commends Secretary Raimondo’s commitment to ensuring states have the flexibility needed to maximize the positive impact of federal broadband programs in communities with varying needs and challenges,” Cullen stated. “Ensuring an all-of-the-above approach while prioritizing unserved communities first will be critical to maximizing the positive impact, reach and cost-effectiveness of resources aimed at eliminating the digital divide.”

During the hearing, Secretary Raimondo stated, “The president has been very clear that we have to make sure that, at the end of implementing this program, every American, every tribal land, rural lands, etc. has access to high speed, affordable internet. … And the way we are implementing this program, we are allowing for flexibility on a state-by-state basis. You know, it’s very different in every state… The statute is clear, right. Unserved first.”

Watch the full hearing HERE.

Learn more about how federal agencies can maximize the positive impact of infrastructure law broadband programs HERE.

Learn more about Connect Americans Now HERE.

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