This is a paid release.
by Jenna Ahern
Online access creates opportunities for small businesses to deliver unprecedented results to their customers. At the click of a button, we have nearly limitless amounts of data and information that can be harnessed by companies regardless of industry, size, or even end goal. In my experience as the founder of a local digital startup that helps businesses increase their visibility, generate new leads, and transform their digital presence, I understand how critical connectivity is in enabling business success and desired outcomes.
Improved visibilities and online marketing can transform any community business, allowing them to reach audiences previously unattainable. Central to that successful transformation is the adoption of technological innovation and digital connectivity that unites potential customers with practical services and solutions.
High-speed Internet is the lifeblood of the digital economy. Next-generation wireless networks like 5G allow budding business leaders to work more efficiently and improve services. The building blocks of this connectivity are licensed spectrum radio waves which allow different devices to communicate. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the agency that’s been responsible for auctioning and allocating this important resource for use by everyday Americans. Unfortunately, this authority over spectrum lapsed this spring, and Congress has yet to reassert this responsibility, meaning networks cannot be developed and current wireless networks could be vulnerable to congestion.
Without authority, the FCC is unable to ensure the spectrum bands are used properly and leveraged in a way that enables different connection, communication, and power of our Internet access. Every day that goes unauthorized is another day that the United States and Kentucky, alike, cannot move forward with technology to improve Internet access both in urban and rural communities.
It is time for Congress to bring back this authority and establish a pipeline of new spectrum so that innovators and entrepreneurs can harness this technology to connect more Americans, improving Internet access and in turn, their businesses’ success.
As a woman and small business owner, I have seen how this digital connectivity has inspired others to take ownership and create new worth and value for themselves, their families, and their communities. Connectivity is the key to fostering environments that unlock new levels of empowerment and opportunity across our state.
My own company relies on this next-generation connectivity to better serve our clients, connecting them with new customers and offerings, and new startups generally hope to use these advanced networks to create and deliver new services.
If we believe that technology can improve the well-being of our neighbors and others in the community, we need to see legislators step up to make sure that all the options are being explored. Improving access for everyone, especially those who rely on wireless connectivity to survive, is vital for our shared future.
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Jenna Ahern is the CEO/founder of Guardian Owl Digital, a search engine optimization (SEO) tech firm in Louisville. She has been a featured speaker at national events including the Women In Digital Conference, Integrating Women Leaders Conference, and ESPNW Campus Conversations.
