America is in a global race for technological leadership. China understands this. Beijing is investing aggressively to dominate artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, advanced communications, and next-generation digital infrastructure. It shows no sign of slowing down. The question for the United States is simple: Will we build the networks of the future or keep spending billions to preserve the networks of the past?

Incredibly, there is a debate over how and when to allow broadband providers permission to retire old copper phone lines. This is like having to get permission to replace dial-up phones with today’s handhelds. And the answer matters not just to the telecom industry, but to everyone who depends on reliable, affordable connectivity.