 It can be hard to remember what it was like before we were all connected, at home, at work, at school, and everywhere in between. For some of us, that connectivity is seamless as we check the news during transit, deposit checks outside the bank, apply for jobs while getting coffee, learn on the go. But access to connectivity remains far from universal. At the New America Foundation, our Open Technology Institute, asset building program, and education policy program believe that affordable, robust, and universal connectivity is a critical foundation for a stronger society. That our youth should have access to digital learning tools at home and school. That communities should have options for affordable, high-capacity broadband. That families should have access to the tools that ensure financial stability and upward mobility. But to build this foundation, we need to change the way we think about connectivity to ensure that federal policies alleviate rather than exacerbate the digital divide. We could start by overhauling outdated policies that govern our information networks. The Universal Service Fund has helped to connect communities, families, and students to communication services. It has been used to support programs that increase communications and broadband access for all Americans. But members of Congress, the FCC, and the Obama Administration have all recognized that programs within the fund must be modernized to meet the needs of 21st century users. Through our work here at the New America Foundation, we strive to identify important policies that can strengthen these programs and meet that goal. Prioritizing community-based solutions for robust infrastructure. Recommending policies that increase the availability of high-speed connectivity for present and future capacity needs. Identifying innovative ways for communities to leverage connectivity for schools and libraries to provide open access both inside buildings and out. Ensuring that broadband access translates into meaningful opportunities to engage safely with financial services. And above all, securing affordable service. We'll strengthen policies that ensure universal service and equitable access to high-speed networks. We must get serious about changing the way we think about connectivity. If we want to ensure equitable access to the information, tools, and resources to be successful today and tomorrow. To every student, every family, and every community.