May 9, 2025
We are at a pivotal moment in the global race for AI leadership. The foundations we build now can either put us in the driver’s seat for this critical technology or leave us a lap behind. At USTelecom, we believe broadband isn’t just part of the AI future—it’s the backbone.
Next-generation AI applications—from data-rich models powering national security to personalized healthcare and smart cities—demand ultra-fast, low-latency, super secure and scalable networks. This means we need broadband, and lots of it, to feed the information requirements of large data centers and connect every American to this revolutionary technology. So, we have released our simple but clear policy roadmap for leaders and policymakers to follow, which would ensure America continues to lead the world in AI-development built on fast, reliable fiber broadband. Our roadmap follows three clear principles: build, lead, and collaborate.
Build Broadband
We need to empower broadband providers to do what they do best – connect Americans with fast, reliable internet. Policymakers in DC need to cut the red tape to help supercharge this process today, especially for rural communities. Simply by allowing the shovel-ready fiber broadband projects set for BEAD funding to move forward, thousands of homes and communities can connect to the promise and potential of broadband within months. And crucially, we will have the base infrastructure in rural America to support more data center and advanced manufacturing development – opening countless opportunities for millions in America left behind when technology propels us into a new economic age.
Lead the Nation
Everyone is rightfully thinking about AI and their role in shaping this technology. But if each state or locality is enforcing its own home-grown regulatory road map, we will end up causing chaos, delaying deployment, chilling investment, and stifling innovation. To overcome a fractured regulatory environment, the United States needs a smart, national AI policy. Striking the right balance that supports flexible and rapid innovation should be rooted in existing legal frameworks focused on harms – regardless of the technology used. Broadband providers will be critical partners in advancing the AI-fueled digital economy and they must stay focused on deploying infrastructure without any expectations to act as gatekeepers.
Collaborate on AI Standards
America’s private sector is the most creative and innovative in the world. Experts across industries, including broadband, must continue to have a seat at the table for any AI standards development both nationally and globally. In addition to supporting market-driven approaches to AI-development, government support to offset the exorbitant cost of participation in standards-making bodies would go a long way in ensuring that America’s experts are central to the conversation.
The global AI race is on—and bringing fiber broadband as quickly as possible to every available corner of our nation will ensure Team USA wins it. We’ll need smart, national policies to get the job done. So, let’s put the nation’s broadband pedal to the metal and lock in America’s AI leadership.