Digital infrastructure provides the foundation for Americans to enjoy the economic and social benefits that come from a reliable online economy. It gives us access to virtual healthcare services and online education. It helps small businesses sell products and services online. And it enables remote working for businesses and organizations of all sizes.
Passage last year of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act guaranteed historic federal funding to not only improve our current networks and infrastructure but to help close the digital divide and deliver more clean energy to our grid. This is a massive investment in our future and promises to improve the lives of Americans for decades to come.
It’s important to recognize that innovation does not happen in a vacuum.
However, it’s important to recognize that innovation does not happen in a vacuum. Resources such as a reliable global supply chain are critical in helping industries keep America at the forefront of the development and deployment of broadband infrastructure.
While it is vital that we continue to expand supply chains and manufacturing here in the United States, global companies must be able to continue tapping into the global supply chains that will provide full access to materials. Rigid domestic sourcing requirements threaten the success of this funding.
The technology industry has proven that it is possible to expand domestic labor and manufacturing opportunities which promote economic growth, while also using the global supply chain when beneficial to further innovation. This progress must be kept in mind as policy is developed and implemented.