The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), regarding the recent introduction of broadband infrastructure bills by members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce:

“We’re thrilled to see Republicans and Democrats working together on such a critical issue – our nation’s broadband infrastructure. Americans need access to broadband to fully participate in the modern economy. This bipartisan focus on improving broadband service promises our citizens access to the life-changing – and sometime lifesaving – benefits of connectivity.

“We especially want to thank House Energy and Commerce Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), full committee ranking member Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chairwoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ranking Member Michael Doyle (D-PA) and members of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology who have introduced legislation, for their vision and focus. These members from across the aisle and across the nation know that federal, state and local governments working together can deliver broadband connectivity faster, and that reducing unnecessary regulations means consumers won’t have to wait needlessly to use these revolutionary technologies.

“Moving forward, we ask the administration to include broadband deployment priorities in its national infrastructure strategy. We especially welcome proposals which:

• Encourage competition among broadband providers;

• Reduce red tape for broadband deployment;

• Insist those receiving federal funding for road projects ‘dig once’ and lay broadband;

• Encourage rapid deployment of 5G;

• Set aside unlicensed spectrum for new innovative service; and

• Recognize the importance of broadband in rural America.

We look forward to working with Congress to send a broadband infrastructure package to the White House.”