Biden will reform internet market as 5G expands

Significance

The measures address the digital divide that the COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed. Among low-income and remote communities, commercial internet service can be slow and expensive or lacking altogether. The ballots add to the emerging call to treat internet connectivity as a public utility.

Impacts

• Fibre-to-the-home could prove a feasible technology alternative to 5G in some locations.
• Firms will test internet delivery via alternatives such as low-orbit satellites and unlicensed TV spectrum (Microsoft).
• Municipalities will build or require conduits for fibre in all new infrastructure construction as part of 'smart city' deployments.