Dear friend,

Thank you for subscribing to my broadband and connectivity newsletter. I’m looking forward to updating you on the work I’m doing to make sure all South Carolinians are connected and we bridge the digital divide.

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South Carolina has always been the model of what the rest of the American South can become. We’ve broken down barriers, shattered glass ceilings, and have always put our children first. While the coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on our state economically, we cannot forget the real human cost of isolation and the challenges posed by the turn to virtual learning when so many South Carolinians don’t have adequate internet access at home.

Last Congress, I was proud to lead on three bills ensuring South Carolinians have the ability to connect to the internet: The Connecting Minority Communities Act, as well as both the Governors' Broadband Development Fund and the State Fix Act with Senator Graham. 

Our Connecting Minority Communities Act was signed into law at the end of 2020, and We plan to reintroduce the Governors Broadband Development Fund and the State Fix Act this Congress. Having home broadband is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether it be virtual schooling, connecting with loved ones, or telehealth appointments, the pandemic has reminded us of the gaping holes in our state’s broadband infrastructure. My goal—ensuring every child in South Carolina has access to the internet—is attainable if Republicans and Democrats band together. We have much more in common than we think, and my hope is that my colleagues will come to the table in good faith for the betterment of our next generation.  

Background:

• There are more than 650,000 citizens that lack internet or adequate broadband speed across South Carolina, and nationally, this number nears 20 million—this is simply unacceptable.
• The State Fix Act builds upon the Governors' Broadband Development Fund, which I will be reintroducing in this year in the new Congress. It will help promote rural and underserved broadband access in our state by getting these communities the resources they need to get connected to the internet. 
• The Connecting Minority Communities Act (now law) will similarly work to expand internet access for minority communities, including ones surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  

What should the federal government pursue as its top policy priority, when it comes to connectivity?

Ramping up 5G deployment across the state and the nation to spur innovation and enhance internet speed. Protecting our broadband infrastructure and consumer privacy from intervention or infiltration from bad actors such as the Chinese Communist Party. Modernizing coverage and payment policies for Telehealth within public programs such as Medicare. Creating ups killing and respelling programs to meet workforce demands, such as need for advanced manufacturing and small cell deployment.  Improving broadband access for rural and underserved communities.

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