It’s time for all SC communities to have high-quality, affordable broadband service

We hear a lot growing up about how America is “the land of opportunity” and that if you work hard and follow the rules, you can achieve anything. But in the past few weeks and months, the COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated some of the most glaring inequities among us.

I’d like to focus on one in particular: the 18 million Americans and nearly 1 in 10 South Carolinians who are currently lacking access to broadband services.

This pandemic has changed how we live our lives, whether its teleworking, distance learning or seeking remote health care services.

I can’t help but think about those who are not able to connect and meet their needs because they have little to no access to the internet.

America’s underserved communities, many of which are in poor urban areas, need an investment in universal broadband in order to fully realize the opportunities of our new digital reality.

The digital divide weighs heaviest on the poor: according to statistics, more than 40% of those making less than $30,000 a year lack home internet services.

Expand access

I am calling on our leaders in Congress to support programs and policies that will expand broadband access to all Americans, especially those in underserved populations, through an investment in infrastructure and development.

As the South Carolina House Minority Leader, a Black Caucus Member, a national board member of the NAACP Special Contributions Fund and a Black man in America, I am devoted to ensuring equality for communities that have historically been disadvantaged.

During my time in the State House I have voted in favor of establishing the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology program, which would encourage the deployment of broadband at the highest speeds possible to underserved areas of South Carolina.

And I will continue to fight for progress on this issue from my position in the State Legislature.

However, the fact of the matter is that comprehensive broadband expansion requires an investment by the federal government.

Our country needs legislation that builds out high-speed internet infrastructure in communities that completely lack service or are underserved — and also subsidizes internet service to ensure that it is affordable.

If we want to emerge from this pandemic stronger than before, we must work to make a future where all Americans have access to the internet.

Praise for Clyburn

I applaud champions in Congress like U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn for spearheading efforts that will help ensure that all Americans can get connected and stay connected. Over the past year, Rep. Clyburn has created a Rural Broadband Task Force that is charged with helping to expand service to parts of our country where access is unreliable, unaffordable or too slow to be worthwhile.

We need strong advocates for minorities and rural communities like Rep. Clyburn; without champions like him, the digital divide will only continue to grow wider.

By expanding broadband coverage to the more than 500,000 people in our state who still lack access, we can strengthen our education system, bolster our economy and make South Carolina a place where truly everyone can pursue their American Dream.

Now is the time for Congress to deliver on expanding a vital service that will help every American succeed.

State Rep. Todd Rutherford represents District 74 in Richland County and serves as the Democratic Caucus Minority Leader.