Broadband expansion remains a top priority for Obama administration

Even after passing a stimulus package that invests billions in broadband, President Obama's administration reaffirmed its commitment to expanding high speed Internet access across America.

At a conference last week in Washington, Susan Crawford, Special Assistant to the President for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, spoke in her opening remarks about America's digital divide - and the need to connect all Americans online:

"We are not falling behind," she warned. "We are definitely behind."

High speed networks can bridge economic, racial and cultural divides, Crawford said. Even the homeless now need access to the Internet, Crawford said, referencing a recent article in The New York Times.

"We're talking about...the human need to connect," she said.

More importantly, broadband will be key to the nation's economic recovery and future stability. "The president cares deeply about broadband," she said. "Without adequate high speed connections, we will miss opportunities."

It's reassuring that the Administration is so deeply committed to the economic and social health of communities all across America. Expanding broadband access not only allows our businesses to be more competitive and hire more workers over the long term, but it creates the short term jobs we need today - to physically build the networks.

President Obama gets it: broadband access is an essential tool to help pull the country out of recession and build a 21st economy that works for all Americans.

Economic stimulus package a victory for Speed Matters (Speed Matters)

Tech policy, broadband still at top of Obama's list, says Crawford (Broadband Census)

Lack of high speed Internet hurts business (Speed Matters)