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Today, in a joint subcommittee hearing, the House Small Business Subcommittee on Health and Technology and Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy, and Trade Hearing met to discuss improving broadband access for rural American businesses. Specifically, the hearing was an opportunity for Democrats to gain perspective from small broadband providers and stakeholders. 

“The technology and telecommunications sectors are a major contributor to the U.S. economy and a lifeline for small businesses connecting with customers all over the world,” said Rep. Al Lawson (D-FL), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Healthcare and Technology. “With the potential to create new jobs and keep millions of employees at work in the broadband sector, small carriers stand ready to capture the economic gains brought by this technology.”

As both consumers and providers of internet access, small firms are in a unique position to benefit from providing and utilizing a broadband connection. Unfortunately, small firms operating in geographically isolated areas do not have access to the same connectivity as those living in urban areas. Specifically, 34 million Americans still lack access to high speed internet. Furthermore, for those who lack access, 39 percent live in rural communities, compared to just 4% of those in urban areas. 

“Time and again, we’ve seen how the internet can connect companies large and small with new markets and new customers—something especially important for rural small businesses,” said Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy, and Trade. “The internet has helped small businesses across the country grow, and we want to ensure that rural small businesses are not left behind due to poor connectivity or an unreliable network.” 

Throughout the hearing, Democrats pressed for greater public investment and incentives in promoting rural connectivity. Paul Carliner, co-founder of Bloosurf LLC, a rural high-speed internet provider based in Salisbury, Maryland testified to the importance of sustained public investment in expanding broadband.

“It is abundantly clear that the only way rural America will cross the digital divide is with sustained public investment by the local, state and federal governments,” said Mr. Carliner. “Without public investment, rural high-speed internet companies will be limited in their ability to grow and sustain service over the long term.” 

Committee Democrats noted that President Trump’s infrastructure proposal fails to allocate resources specifically for broadband investment. Instead, President Trump’s plan gives states $50 billion – of $200 billion –for rural infrastructure, but fails to dedicate any of that funding specifically to rural broadband expansion. 

As Congress moves to reform America’s infrastructure, Democrats stressed the importance of dedicating proper funding to ensure that small firms across the country have the resources they need to connect online.