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The United States finds itself at a critical juncture in the global race for artificial intelligence (AI) supremacy, particularly against China. Our success hinges on two pivotal factors: fostering innovation and ensuring substantial investments—integral components of our national strategy.
However, the third element of this equation demands attention: the urgent enhancement of our internet infrastructure. Without an expanded edge in 21st-century connectivity, we jeopardize our position in the race for global AI leadership.
Currently, discussions are unfolding in Washington, D.C. regarding optimal pathways for regulating AI. Meanwhile, Silicon Valley is fervently pursuing the next groundbreaking AI model. Yet, across the Pacific, Beijing is engaging in a markedly different approach.
The Chinese Communist Party recognizes that achieving AI dominance requires a comprehensive national strategy focused on establishing the necessary infrastructure and connectivity for deploying advanced AI technologies.
The Chinese Communist Party comprehends that supremacy in AI transcends mere data aggregation and algorithmic prowess. It necessitates a concerted effort in developing the requisite infrastructure and connectivity essential for the advancement and implementation of sophisticated AI systems. China is proactively enhancing its internet framework to eclipse U.S. capabilities.
For example, China is confronting America’s entrenched leadership in Wi-Fi innovation by advocating for its domestic standards on the international stage and channeling resources into indigenous wireless technologies. This undermines U.S. technological standards that have historically led Wi-Fi advancements.
Wi-Fi is crucial, serving as the primary technology through which consumers access AI on their devices. The capacity to transfer, process, and deliver extensive data efficiently forms the backbone of AI functionality.
All generative AI applications, autonomous vehicles, and industrial robots rely on high-speed, dependable connectivity. Should China assume the lead in internet infrastructure, it will inevitably gain the upper hand in AI as well.
On a positive note, the American cable industry has made remarkable strides in expanding broadband networks capable of meeting contemporary demands, with 87% already delivering gigabit speeds, and even more formidable capabilities on the horizon.
Over the past twenty years, a staggering $340 billion in private investments has been funneled into constructing these advanced networks, generating an estimated $568.7 billion in economic output by 2024 and bolstering over 1.3 million jobs nationwide.
Such infrastructure investments are vital, yet they must be complemented by governmental commitment as part of a cohesive national strategy to uphold U.S. internet leadership.
This strategy is not only essential for the future utilization and dependability of AI but will also amplify the economic impact of such infrastructure.
In California alone, cable infrastructure sustains 209,000 jobs and contributes $117 billion in state economic impact. Texas and Florida each support over 100,000 cable-related jobs.
This exemplifies national strength: private investments driving public benefit. With a well-defined national strategy for internet infrastructure, these benefits could be multiplied exponentially.
During a recent dialogue on technology policy with Rep. Brett Guthrie, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, he succinctly framed our predicament: “We’re not competing with Europe to regulate; we’re competing with China to innovate.”
His statement holds true; Europe’s excessive regulatory frameworks have sidelined it in the AI race. The U.S. remains a contender, but to prevail, further innovation and enhancements in our internet infrastructure are imperative.
The moment has arrived to leverage America’s strengths, intensifying efforts towards Wi-Fi capacity, broadband connectivity, and the underlying infrastructure that supports them.
For years, through visionary national policies, Wi-Fi has served as the internet’s backbone, managing the vast majority of traffic and linking our homes, workplaces, educational institutions, and factories.
It stands as a uniquely American triumph, fundamentally anchored in the principle of permissionless innovation and regulations endorsing access to public airwaves. Imagine if the federal government could further amplify this success by increasing Wi-Fi accessibility—China would stand little chance in this AI contest.
Securing victory in the AI race mandates focus and immediacy. Leaders in Washington must expedite the establishment of a national broadband policy framework, replacing the fragmented state-based regulatory landscape that currently hinders the infrastructure necessary for America’s success.
A more coherent national strategy on unlicensed spectrum—the radio frequencies that underpin Wi-Fi—is essential to ensure sustained U.S. leadership in this domain.
Furthermore, maintaining federal incentives to promote private investment in internet infrastructure is crucial to accommodate the immense data demands posed by AI technologies.
By executing these measures effectively, the United States will not merely participate in the AI era but will definitively lead it, leaving China far behind.
The same networks facilitating connectivity among Americans today will secure our economic prosperity, technological dominance, and national future in the years to come.
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