While most of the country relied on broadband access to work remotely during the pandemic, millions of others were left behind because they lacked access, either because they lived in rural areas that do not have broadband infrastructure, or could not afford the cost of service despite $10-$20 entry-level plans offered voluntarily by most providers.

Lack of broadband impacts everyone, whether it is children who are unable to connect to remote classes, parents who are unable to run small businesses from home, folks looking for work or tourists coming to our region.

Then there are those who relied on telehealth alternatives during the height of the pandemic. Without broadband, the unemployed or underemployed may miss out on job postings, training programs, or online networking. And consider the impact it has on tourism: If you have teenage children, would you go to an area with no connectivity? No way!

At the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, we have seen the opportunity connectivity affords to businesses of all types and sizes as well as their employees. Broadband has helped drive growth over the last two decades and expand the way millions of people participate in the economy.

Given how essential broadband is to the modern economy, we need bold action to get every American connected. There are two clear ways to do this. First, the federal government should prioritize bringing broadband to truly unserved areas using all available technologies to get us there: 5G wireless, cable and broadband. That will allow unserved communities to get online quickly.

Second, Congress should pass a permanent federal benefit that helps low-income families afford access to broadband and the economic power it brings. Broadband is clearly an essential service in 2021, and government has a role to play to ensure everyone has access.

We have an unprecedented opportunity. By prioritizing expanding access to communities without broadband infrastructure and establishing a permanent benefit, we can not only connect the millions that deserve high-speed internet access, but bolster the American economy in the process.

Kimberly N. Lindlof

president & CEO, Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce

executive director, Central Maine Growth Council

Waterville