Hearing of the Subcommittee on Health and Technology of the House Small Business Committee - Opening Statement of Rep. Aumua Amata Radewagen, Hearing on Rural Broadband and the Business Case for Small Carriers

Hearing

Talofa, good morning. This hearing will come to order.

First, I'd like to thank our witnesses for taking the time to share their thoughts with
us today. I look forward to your testimony. I'd also like to thank Chairman Blum for co-
leading this important discussion.

Today's joint hearing of the Subcommittee on Health and Technology, and the
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy, and Trade will focus on challenges facing small
internet service providers deploying broadband to rural, high-cost areas. This hearing
expands upon past conversations started in Committee and recently continued in a hearing
led by Chairman Blum a few short weeks ago.

This topic is of particular significance to the people of American Samoa as our
telecommunications and internet connectivity is severely lacking, especially in the wake of
Tropical Cyclone Gita. As our world becomes increasingly dependent on a robust
telecommunications service and wireless internet, the lack of it in places like American
Samoa and rural America becomes even more glaring. These high-cost areas depend upon
the industriousness and commitment to deploying robust, accessible broadband by small,
rural, and regional internet service providers. However, challenges facing these carriers in
obtaining adequate financing can impede forward progress, further exacerbating the
disparities between urban and rural communities.

Having this connectivity is critical, not only to stimulate economic growth, but also
to ensure a basic level of connectivity for our citizens, such as the ability to place a call to
loved ones and first responders in the event of an emergency or disaster. As we begin to
examine the current state of America's infrastructure and take steps to improve our
nation's highways and buildings, we need to ensure that broadband is at the front and
center of all infrastructure discussions.

I now yield to Chairman Blum for his opening statement.

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