The broadband policy has never been more pertinent due to the COVID-19 virus. Millions of Americans depend on an adequate 5G home internet connection for their work, education and entertainment, while the divide between digital and traditional rural communities are facing is more pronounced than ever. It was reported that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stated the number of 19 million Americans do not have internet with high-speed speeds.
Broadband access is a crucial issue ahead of the 2020 presidential election, which is why we'll look at the stances of presidential candidates.
Broadband issues that are of primary importance:
Net objectivity. The statement is that all internet traffic is treated fairly and equally and those internet providers should not be able to favour websites that pay the price while throttling or blocking speeds on other sites.
Internet infrastructure. The development of internet access to rural areas and improving the speed of internet and technological advancements.
Digital privacy. What websites and businesses do with the personal data of their users.
Net neutrality
Joe Biden (D)
Joe Biden hasn't said much about his stance on net neutrality; however, a Biden spokesperson from the campaign has stated that the Daily Dot: "Joe Biden is a proponent of net neutrality. He was thrilled to witness the FCC adopt a direct approach to protect innovators and consumers by ensuring the internet's openness during the Obama-Biden administration. As with many Americans, Joe Biden was shocked at the way the Trump administration has reverted to an earlier Open Internet Rule and inflated the digital divide in this country."
Notably, one of Biden's primary supporters on the campaign is an executive from Comcast executive.
Donald Trump (R)
Trump has appointed the FCC's head. Donald Trump established the current head of the FCC, Ajit Pai, who has been vocally opposed to net neutrality. Pai claims he keeps a free and open internet but should implement a "light-touch" regulation.
In 2017 the FCC removed net neutrality rules. Trump declared the repeal of net neutrality regulations a "great win."
Internet infrastructure
Biden
Joe Biden has discussed a plan for rural America which includes investing $20 billion for broadband infrastructure. The plan also promises to "triple Community Connect broadband grants and partner with municipal utilities to bring cutting-edge broadband connections to communities across rural America."
Biden declares he will cooperate with Congress to approve legislation called the Digital Equity Act, which will "establish grant programs for (1) promoting digital equity, (2) supporting digital inclusion activities and (3) building capacity for state-led efforts to increase adoption of broadband by their residents."
Trump
In 2018 Trump signed two executive orders for rural broadband designed to ease the process to create internet infrastructure in rural areas. The orders suggested cutting down on government documents and putting limitations on the building of this internet.
In the Trump Administration, President Donald Rural Infrastructure Program allocated $50 billion to rural America to meet diverse infrastructure needs. The actual amount is determined by each state as well as 100% of the allocation could be allocated to broadband.
In 2018 Trump also unveiled a $1.5 trillion plan for infrastructure, including broadband deployment plans. The plan wasn't initially passed in Congress, but now in light of the pandemic coronavirus, Trump is considering reintroducing it.
Privacy of data
Biden
Biden's position on privacy and data has been generally undefined or not discussed. Biden said to the Times Editorial Board, "we should be setting standards not unlike the Europeans are doing relative to privacy," when discussing tech and internet subjects. This European Union privacy policy gives individuals control over their personal information. It includes details of why a company holds access to their data and whether they would like to grant access.
Trump
The year 2017 was the first time President Trump passed a measure. That repealed internet privacy regulations which required broadband providers to get permission. It is to utilize data such as browsing history, financial and medical data, and geolocation to promote.
One year after it reports that the Trump administration began drafting an all-encompassing data privacy policy. However, nothing has been made out of it.