America is the birthplace of the Internet, and home to many of its greatest ideas and innovators. But since Internet access became publicly available, we have failed to deliver its tremendous benefits to everyone. As a result, millions of Americans still stand on the wrong side of the "digital divide." And the damages -- economic, social and political -- are beginning to show.

Since 2001, the United States has fallen from fourth in the world in broadband penetration to 15th in the world today. While American consumers face high prices and few choices, many of our European and Asian counterparts have achieved the goals of universal deployment and competitive markets. Returning to the top of international rankings would translate into millions of new jobs and hundreds of billions of dollars in increased economic activity for the United States.

High-speed Internet access is revolutionizing the ways we do business, participate in government, and connect with the world. Yet in America, only 35 percent of homes with less than $50,000 in annual income have a high-speed Internet connection. Moreover, nearly 20 million Americans live in areas that are not served by a single broadband provider; tens of millions more live in places where there is just a single provider of high-speed Internet service.

High-speed Internet access can connect people and communities that might not otherwise interact. Unfortunately, broadband's promise is not being realized equally across all racial and ethnic groups in our country. Only 40 percent of racial and ethnic minority households have access to broadband, while 55 percent of non-Hispanic white households are connected.

We have the potential to deliver abundant broadband capacity at prices we all can afford. Yet American consumers pay far too much for far too little compared to citizens in other countries. We have the eighth-highest monthly rates for broadband service among leading developed nations. In real terms, this means Internet users in Japan pay about half the price for an Internet connection that's 20 times faster than what's commonly available to people in the United States.

Open Internet access makes free speech a reality for everyone. Freedom of the press extends only to those who own one -- or so the saying goes. It once rang true in a world of newspapers, radio and television stations, and cable networks. But the Internet has changed all that, delivering the press -- and in theory, its freedoms -- to any person with a good idea and a connection. Yet powerful political and economic interests are exploring new ways to filter or block user information on the free-flowing Web.

America's digital decline is a troubling problem that must be faced now. Putting America back on top and bringing open, high-quality, affordable Internet connections into every home will require a comprehensive and innovative approach. It will require input from federal, state and local governments, businesses large and small, nonprofit organizations and public advocates, civic groups, churches and schools. Everyone must play a role.

There is no better time than now to come together behind a powerful message: We want Internet for Everyone.