BAN ON BULK BILLING WILL ERODE INTERNET ACCESS FOR THE POOR IN OUR COMMUNITY

As a lifelong educator in the vibrant city of North Miami, I’ve always believed in the power of community to uplift and support its members.

From guiding young minds in the classroom to advocating for the needs of our diverse residents as mayor, my journey has been defined by a deep commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and opportunity for all.

In our city of nearly 60,000 residents, access to high-speed internet at affordable prices has become an indispensable cornerstone of what enables our residents to thrive.

I know I’m not alone when I say the bipartisan broadband investments made under the Biden administration have equipped mayors across the county, including myself, with the critical support needed to ensure more of the residents I represent have the connectivity required for today’s world.

By now, it’s clear that broadband connectivity is not just about scrolling and streaming – it’s about being fully connected to access critical information, work, remote learning and telehealth. That’s why the administration’s bold pledge to ensure all Americans have broadband access by 2030 is so imperative.

But I have serious concerns that a recent proposal from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ban bulk billing arrangements for broadband not only undermines our ability to achieve the goal of universal connectivity in 2030 but also threatens to unravel the incredible work made across the country over the past few years to get millions of Americans online.