By Allison Peck
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries across the country, U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer says expanding broadband infrastructure will be essential to ensuring Nebraska businesses and communities can take advantage of the technology.
Fischer, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee's Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, recently led a hearing examining how artificial intelligence is changing the nation's telecommunications networks and what investments will be needed to support its continued growth.
The Nebraska Republican said AI is already becoming part of everyday operations in industries including precision agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, health care, banking and public safety. However, she said those advances depend on reliable, high-speed internet access.
"Nebraska has a lot to gain from AI," Fischer said, pointing to farms and ranches using connected technology to improve productivity, rural hospitals relying on secure communications to reach patients, and manufacturers incorporating automation into their operations.
Among those testifying before the committee was Nebraska Public Service Commissioner Dan Watermeier, who emphasized that artificial intelligence can only benefit residents if they have access to broadband connectivity. Fischer said his testimony underscored the need to continue expanding broadband service throughout rural Nebraska.
She also said witnesses stressed the importance of fiber-optic networks to meet the growing bandwidth demands of AI. While satellite, cable and wireless services all play important roles in broadband access, Fischer said fiber infrastructure offers the speed and reliability needed to support next-generation technologies.
Fischer also highlighted her Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments, or LAST ACRE, Act. The legislation would expand federal broadband efforts by helping connect farmland and ranchland that may not be covered under existing U.S. Department of Agriculture broadband programs, which primarily focus on homes and businesses.
According to Fischer, the bill has been included in the Senate's version of the Farm Bill.
She said stronger telecommunications infrastructure is becoming increasingly important as more businesses and public services adopt AI technologies, adding that rural communities cannot afford to be left behind.
Fischer also said maintaining advanced communications networks is important for national competitiveness, arguing the United States must continue developing secure, high-speed infrastructure as other countries invest in emerging technologies.
She said she plans to continue working to improve broadband access for rural, suburban and urban communities, ensuring Nebraskans have the connectivity needed to benefit from advances in artificial intelligence.