We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect every American to high-speed internet.

If COVID-19 taught us anything, it was the power of an internet connection. From remote work and education to healthcare and entertainment, it’s undeniable that broadband kept people working, learning and as connected as possible during one of the most challenging times in this nation’s history.

To its credit, Congress recognized the need to provide high-speed internet access to every corner of the country, and with the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, $42 billion has been dedicated to getting the job done. The Federal Communications Commission has released the final version of the “National Broadband Map” before the $42 billion is allocated, hoping to provide a more accurate snapshot of where broadband is and is not across the country.

But wiring every community across America is a daunting task. The U.S. spans more than 3.5 million square miles and features all kinds of terrains that make our country remarkable but difficult to build physical infrastructure.

Over the last two decades, broadband providers have made progress, investing more than $1 trillion to enhance and expand next-generation networks. As a result, 95 percent of the country now has access to high-speed internet, and robust connectivity has transformed our economy and society.

According to the latest figures from the FCC, more than 8 million Americans still need to be connected. Most reside in our country’s hardest-to-reach regions, where network expansion is complex and costly. Fortunately, if we make the right decisions with the huge infusion of federal funding that will soon be delivered to every state, achieving 100 percent connectivity is possible.

But to ensure connectivity for all Americans, state governments must make smart investments and partner with experienced providers with a track record of building networks on time and on budget.

Here is what it will take. First, projects in unserved and underserved areas must be the priority. If money starts siphoning away to communities that already have internet access — or those scheduled to receive service — we will be blowing the historic opportunity to connect those who need it most, and the unserved will remain unserved.

Second, if we’ve learned anything from other COVID relief programs, protecting against waste and fraud is critical. States must put up guardrails to protect federal and state broadband funds to prevent shady actors and untested firms from receiving grants and not fulfilling their obligations.

Third, fair competition is essential. This means refraining from giving preference to any specific type of provider or imposing unnecessary regulatory obligations that deter qualified providers from participating.

One clear recipe for success already working in hundreds of communities is public-private partnerships between states and cable broadband providers. Their expertise in building, maintaining and upgrading networks — plus the procurement of materials and supply chain and workforce management — is second to none. And cable providers will build the next-generation 10G network to every corner of America.

The stakes are high. Opportunities of this magnitude are rare. We can’t let this level of investment be squandered. Let’s get the job done and expand connectivity to every American.

Rick Cimerman is the vice president of state affairs at the Internet & Television Association. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.