Technology & Innovation – Senator John Thune
Technology & Innovation – Senator John Thune
https://www.thune.senate.gov/policy-solutions/priorities/technology-and-innovation/
Publish Date: 2026-06-11 12:50:00
Source Domain: www.thune.senate.gov
A Reliable Connection for Rural America
The internet has brought Americans a host of benefits – from a wealth of information to unparalleled convenience to new opportunities for commerce and education to new methods of communication. South Dakotans and other Americans who live in rural areas deserve access to high-speed broadband networks. Expanding internet access in rural America has long been a priority for me, and building and maintaining reliable networks across the United States has never been more critical. As the internet becomes more vital to everyday life, reliable broadband networks are an essential component to help rural Americans stay connected. I will continue to support broadband investment at the Federal Communications Commission to close the digital divide and ensure rural areas have access to the internet.
The Race to 5G
Reliable, fast internet is an essential element of our nation’s infrastructure. Like roads and bridges and railways and airports, strong internet networks keep our economy going. 5G mobile broadband technology has the power to change the way we interact with the internet. 5G will be 100 times faster and support 100 times as many devices, enabling massive breakthroughs in health care, transportation, agriculture, and other key industries. I’ve been supportive of this breakthrough technology from the beginning. In fact, working alongside local leaders, we made Sioux Falls one of the first cities in the country to deploy a 5G network.
As a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, I am committed to advancing smart federal policy to keep South Dakota at the forefront of innovation. We need to remove regulatory and permitting hurdles and ensure that companies have access to the spectrum they need to build strong networks. I’ll continue to work to advance nationwide 5G deployment and fight for our rural communities that deserve to have the full benefits of the 5G revolution….
