A strong telecommunications infrastructure is critical to our State's economy, as well as the safety and prosperity of all Granite Staters.

It is my distinct pleasure to be here today to call this hearing of the Commerce Committee to order.

Our people and businesses simply cannot compete in the 21st century innovation economy without broadband, and we must act now to address what is an urban-rural divide that has persisted in our country, and in this state, for far too long.

It is essential that any infrastructure package must include broadband buildout and investment.

So I think it is time for a National Broadband Map that offers an honest and current picture of wired and wireless broadband all across the country.

Finally, I want to point out that connectivity matters not just on the ground, but in the skies.

Access to the Internet is vital in today's economy.

I have heard from students in Texas who do homework at fast food restaurants with fries because it is the only place they know where they can get a free Wi-Fi signal.

I am a big believer in the wisdom of crowds, so I think we should put it to the public.

It is one reason why the AIRWAVES Act, that Senator Hassan and Senator Gardner have put forward, is so important.

access to the Internet is vital in today's 21st century economy.

I encourage the committee to act quickly to establish the regulatory framework needed to encourage the deployment of broadband infrastructure to New Hampshire and to the rest of the United States.

I do have a number of questions that are really intended to help us delve a little bit deeper into the topics that you all have raised so well.

I want the community to know I started in public life in the New Hampshire State Senate.

the greatest benefit of the AIRWAVES Act is the fact that you put deadlines on getting that spectrum to market.

Thank you very much, Mr. Strickland.

I wanted to get your feedback on the importance of the AIRWAVES Act, which I introduced earlier this year with Senator Gardner.

One of the purposes of the AIRWAVES Act is to make sure that the United States can maintain its leadership in advanced wireless networks.