The U.S. even though we invented the internet, lags behind the world with respect to internet access and broadband speed. The internet is similar to the national highway system. It is important to modern business, modern communications and national communications. It is a driving force in modern innovation. Having the government provide a base minimum of access forces independent providers to meet that minimum or exceed it. Having the government provide this minimum also incentivizes independent providers to advance, rather than stagnate, the technologies used in providing access.
We need this to compete in the world. We need this to be an active participant in the future.