The growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in daily life has highlighted a concerning issue: the digital divide in the US. Without access to AI, entire communities and segments of the workforce will be locked out of the new economy. High-speed internet access has become critical for participating in this economy, yet millions of Americans lack this essential connection.
This persistent crisis deepens societal inequities, and its impact is felt across various aspects of life. For students, limited internet access can hinder their ability to harness AI for learning and future opportunities. For patients, health outcomes may depend on their zip code rather than the quality of care they receive. For workers, the inability to access AI-powered tools can make it difficult to stay competitive in the job market.
The Universal Service Fund (USF) is a potential solution to this problem. With bipartisan support, the USF has long been a national commitment to ensuring connectivity for vulnerable populations and critical institutions. Modernizing and sustainably funding the USF could help bridge the digital divide and provide equitable access to AI-powered opportunities.
Policymakers must recognize the importance of this issue and take action to address it. By championing a modernized and sustainably funded USF, they can help ensure that every American has access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
