Remarks of David J. Redl, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information,
at CTIA's Race to 5G Summit, Washington, D.C., April 19, 2018

--As Prepared for Delivery--

Thank you. It’s great to be here and see such widespread commitment to the United States winning the race to 5G. As you’ve no doubt heard today, 5G and the technologies it will enable promise transformative changes that will improve health care, advance manufacturing and benefit public safety.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) BroadbandUSA team invites you to a webinar on broadband and digital inclusion planning in rural areas. This is the first in a series of webinars about rural planning - future topics will include building partnerships, marketing and outreach, broadband adoption and digital literacy training programs.This webinar will cover how to gather information to best inform your broadband and digital inclusion plan, including asset inventory, survey data, community input and other planning resources.

Broadband is enabling a revolution in agriculture practices, leading to “Smart Farms” that maximize resources by using information technology, mobile phones, apps and the Internet. Join the BroadbandUSA conversation on how broadband can help create next generation farms and farmers.

Speakers:

One in four jobs added to the economy over the next decade will be in technology and health care, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and jobs in every sector will require increased math, computer and digital literacy skills. As a result, the demand for a highly skilled, digitally trained workforce is high. Communities are taking the lead to ensure that their workforce is ready to attract and support emerging industries and businesses. Join this BroadbandUSA conversation to learn how local leaders are preparing the workforce for the digital skills needed today and tomorrow.

Electric cooperatives are capitalizing on existing infrastructure and deep community roots to bring gigabit communications to rural communities, and the results can be transformational. Just as rural electrification energized the country in the early 20th century, high capacity broadband connections are necessary for thriving communities in the 21st century. Join BroadbandUSA’s Practical Broadband Conversations webinar to learn how member based co-ops are making the case for investment and creating new opportunities for economic prosperity.

Speakers:

Broadband is a key driver of regional job creation and economic prosperity. Recognizing this, many communities are taking a cooperative approach to develop a comprehensive regional economic strategy emphasizing broadband deployment and use. Join BroadbandUSA’s Practical Broadband Conversations webinar to learn how regional economic development agencies are leveraging broadband to spur collaboration, innovation and growth.

Speakers:

Cross-posted with National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

By David J. Redl, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator

Effective digital inclusion programs are essential for communities, supporting efforts such as workforce development, educational attainment, financial literacy, and better access to health care. Finding financial support for such programs requires creative partnerships, coordination with civic leaders, and messaging that articulates the benefits of such programs to communities. Join BroadbandUSA's webinar to learn how communities have funded digital inclusion programs using a variety of funding options such as local philanthropies, city budget mechanisms, and private sector support.

by Doug Kinkoph, Associate Administrator, Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications