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Buttigieg highlights broadband funds in infrastructure deal

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says the proposed bipartisan infrastructure deal has the provisions to ‘affordably’ connect all Americans to broadband internet.

Buttigieg tells Brownfield broadband is just as important for farmers as physical infrastructure.

“A connection to the internet is about as important as a connection to the interstate is,” he said. “You need both, you need to be able to connect both digitally and physically in order to do everything; from getting up to date market information on when to sell, to being able to have your kids do their homework or take advantage of telemedicine opportunities.”

The deal would put $65 billion towards expanding the country’s broadband network. Buttigieg said 100 percent of Americans should have fast, reliable, and affordable internet.

“That’s not easy, especially that last couple percent, after you get to 98 percent or so, for folks who are in really spread-out areas,” Buttigieg said. “But it’s important to the President that no one’s left behind and that no one has to wonder whether this bill is going to be for them.”

He said broadband access has a large impact on the quality of life for rural residents, making it a priority alongside other forms of infrastructure. Buttigieg said a vote to approve the infrastructure deal for Senate debate could come at any time and expects issues in the deal to be ironed out in the coming days.