Senators Reaffirm the Free-Market Path to 5G

On September 30, Sen. John Thune and several Senate colleagues sent a letter to President Donald Trump, commending his support for a private-sector driven approach to 5G. The letter raises valid concerns about a recent Request For Information (RFI) released by Department of Defense that "contradicts the successful free-market strategy" the President has embraced for 5G. According to the letter, "[r]ather than rely on private industry and market forces to foster multiple, facilities-based 5G networks, the RFI seeks information on a government-managed process for 5G networks." The letter continues: "Nationalizing 5G and experimenting with untested models for 5G deployment is not the way the United States will win the 5G race." Sen. Thune and his colleagues urge the President "to remain on the free-market path you have articulated, a path that will enable the United States to win the global 5G race."

Below is a tweet from Free State Foundation President Randolph May:

I agree with the sentiments expressed in this letter to @WhiteHouse by @SenJohnThune and his @Senate colleagues that private sector leadership is essential to #5G U.S. leadership. https://t.co/0Oof27LGUv #5GForEveryone #5GFAST pic.twitter.com/nY6v3QHcUI

— Free State Foundation (@FSFthinktank) September 30, 2020

Broadband Providers Rising to the Challenge

There has been due recognition, at least by most people and policymakers, that broadband Internet providers have responded in an admirable fashion to keep American connected during the COVID-19 pandemic - despite the substantial increase in network traffic caused by the lockdowns and changes in everyday life.

 

To some extent, the ability of broadband providers to maintain, or exceed, their quality of service standards despite the major traffic increases is attributable to the robustness of their broadband networks, which, in turn, is attributable to almost $2 trillion dollars of private investment in these networks since 2000. But it is also attributable to extraordinary efforts undertaken by the people who are charged with operating the networks.

To be sure, there are examples of this extraordinary effort among all the major broadband providers and smaller ones as well. But, by way of example, here is a Comcast COVID-19 Report, "How Our People Met the Challenge Despite Unparalleled Disruption," that is worth reviewing. To the extent it is sometimes overlooked, the report brings home the human effort involved in ensuring that Comcast's broadband service has remained robust.

It's worth remembering - and appreciating - this dedication as we get through and beyond the pandemic.

There's more work to do in closing remaining digital divides. But this won't be accomplished without free market-oriented policies, the application of American ingenuity, and the ongoing dedication of employees of broadband providers of the kind evidenced in the Comcast report.

Viasat Is Offering Satellite Broadband Speeds of 100 Mbps

On February 27, 2018, Viasat announced that it is offering a new nationwide satellite broadband service called Viasat-2, which includes unlimited access with download speeds up to 100 Mbps. It also plans to begin offering Viasat-3, a global satellite broadband service, in 2020. The increasing capabilities of satellite broadband make it an attractive alternative for residential broadband, particularly for consumers who live in rural or undeserved areas. 

Stay tuned for a forthcoming Perspectives from FSF Scholars regarding free market policies that will promote private broadband investment throughout rural areas in the United States.