High-speed internet is transforming the way we live, driving economic growth and workforce development, and creating new opportunities for Californians to participate in the global economy. It helps students take online courses, residents search for jobs, employees have flexible work arrangements, and employers access a wider pool of talent. High-speed internet is helping California continue to innovate and open new doors for all our communities.

As California continues to experience natural disasters that increase in frequency and severity, it is critical that Californians impacted by a natural disaster stay connected. During an emergency, digital networks provide first responders the opportunity to share information with each other and the public. It's vital that our California residents have access to real-time evacuation orders and other critical information as soon as it is available. During disasters, having reliable connectivity can potentially save lives.

High-speed internet is critical for California to meet its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions goals, which will help support a connected future and improve the quality of life for all. Telehealth, working remotely, precision agriculture, smart grids, and energy efficient buildings all depend on reliable, modern high-speed networks. As well, fiber is more efficient than standard copper wiring and it can transfer more information faster and with higher quality over greater distances. Fiber can use close to twelve times less energy than copper because its data is transmitted in the form of light.