Will the Next President Prioritize Government or Private Broadband Solutions?

December 4, 2024
Will the Next President Prioritize Government or Private Broadband Solutions?

The next President of the United States will play a critical role in determining the accessibility and quality of broadband services across the nation, with key decisions including funding priorities for underserved regions, the allocation of spectrum for emerging technologies like 5G and satellite services, and broader regulatory issues shaped increasingly by executive orders. Both Vice President Harris and former President Trump recognize the importance of broadband for American innovation and competitiveness, yet their strategies to achieve widespread access differ significantly.

Harris’s Broadband Strategy

Vice President Harris is anticipated to emphasize government grants, public-private partnerships, and initiatives such as the BEAD program to enhance broadband access in rural and underserved areas. This approach, continuing the efforts made under the Biden administration, would potentially enable more Americans to access high-speed internet, boosting educational opportunities, business growth, and overall connectivity in less populated regions.

Trump’s Broadband Approach

Former President Trump, on the other hand, is likely to adopt a strategy that minimizes federal involvement, instead focusing on tax incentives and private-sector partnerships. Trump’s approach aligns with the principles of Project 2025, a conservative effort aimed at reducing regulations and promoting free-market solutions to expand broadband access. This method banks on the private sector’s capacity to innovate and efficiently deploy services without heavy governmental oversight.

Spectrum Allocation Priority

Both candidates will prioritize spectrum allocation, which is essential for expanding broadband capabilities. During Trump’s previous term, the administration advanced plans to increase spectrum availability, particularly under FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, focusing on the deployment of 5G and modernizing regulatory frameworks. Harris is expected to continue efforts to explore new spectral bands for 5G fixed wireless access, building on the Biden administration’s initiatives. Moreover, expanding spectrum for satellite broadband services remains a critical focus, exemplified by the FCC’s recent allocations for satellite operators.

Local and Judicial Influence

Despite the significant power of the presidency, judicial and congressional mechanisms will also shape the future of broadband. A recent Supreme Court ruling has shifted some regulatory power from federal agencies to judges, potentially altering how broadband regulations are enforced. Additionally, Congress holds substantial influence over legislative actions and agency appointments, which could affect broadband policy direction depending on its political composition.

Local governments play a pivotal role as well, with municipalities like Miami-Dade County voting on measures to expand free public Wi-Fi and New York addressing the placement of 5G towers. States are now grappling with the impacts of the expired Affordable Connectivity Program, which had provided crucial subsidies to millions of Americans for high-speed internet access.

Conclusion

The future President of the United States will have a vital role in shaping the availability and quality of broadband services nationwide. This responsibility includes making key decisions about funding priorities for underserved areas, managing the allocation of spectrum for new technologies like 5G and satellite services, and addressing broader regulatory matters increasingly influenced by executive orders. Both Vice President Harris and former President Trump understand the crucial role of broadband in fostering American innovation and maintaining global competitiveness. However, their approaches to achieving extensive broadband access are notably different. While Harris may focus on governmental initiatives and prioritizing equity in access, Trump could lean towards deregulation and private industry involvement to expand broadband infrastructure. Consequently, the policies and strategies adopted by the next administration will significantly impact how effectively the U.S. can bridge the digital divide and promote technological advancement.

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