Rep. John Dingell's Strategic Vision for Internet policy

As the new chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) is among the most important political leaders in Washington when it comes to improving our nation's Internet policies. A recent article in The Hill shows he's out front on these issues, pointing out the need for "a comprehensive national strategy" of high-speed Internet access.

When Rep. Dingell was first elected in 1955, computers and color television were brand-new and unfamiliar to most Americans. Since then, in his role in Congress, he's been closely involved in supporting decades of technological growth. He shows a keen understanding of the role of high-speed Internet access in ensuring the vibrancy of our economy, especially as other countries are making significant investments in their domestic Internet capabilities.

"America should be the undisputed world leader in broadband innovation and deployment," Dingell notes. "The lack of an up-to-date, comprehensive strategy forces the communications sector to muddle through a landscape marked by disparate government programs."

Rep. Dingell will be a key figure in the effort to remedy this situation. His priorities show that he's put careful thought into a potential national strategy. Among his recommendations:

• federal assistance to encourage infrastructure investment and innovation.
• improving the definition of "high speed" by increasing the minimum upload and download rates
• accurate assessment to map high-speed access across the country
• consumer protection, so that the expansion of high-speed internet serves the public good

These recommendations address many of our key principles. To find out more about our principles, check out New Definitions, New Policy, and Consumer and Worker Protections.

We're encouraged that Rep. Dingell is paying close attention to this important issue. It's critical that influential lawmakers like him take the lead on improving our nation's information infrastructure.

The Hill

SpeedMatters.org: Key Principles