US Must Upgrade Internet Infrastructure to Win AI Race Against China
US Must Urgently Improve Internet Infrastructure to Gain Edge in AI Race
The United States needs a radical overhaul of its current internet infrastructure to gain an edge in the artificial intelligence (AI) race against China, experts say. Concerns are mounting that America's internet networks are failing to keep pace with the rapid advancement of AI technology, potentially weakening the nation's overall competitiveness. Emphasizing data processing speed and network stability as crucial for AI technology development and commercialization, voices are growing louder, urging the US government and related companies to make aggressive investments.
Currently, America's internet infrastructure suffers from significant regional disparities, with rural areas lagging far behind in broadband coverage. This limits access to AI technology and exacerbates the digital divide between regions. Furthermore, insufficient investment and regulatory hurdles faced by US telecommunications companies are delaying the rollout of 5G networks, hindering the establishment of the ultra-fast communication environment necessary for AI technology development. In contrast, China has completed the construction of a nationwide broadband internet network and is rapidly commercializing 5G networks through proactive government-led investment and support policies. These aggressive moves by China are significantly contributing to closing the gap with the US in the field of AI.
To secure an advantage in the AI competition, the US needs to make multifaceted efforts to improve its internet networks. First and foremost, the government must actively address the digital divide by expanding investment in broadband internet infrastructure. It needs to strengthen support for rural areas and marginalized communities in particular so that all citizens can benefit from AI technology. Easing regulations and providing tax incentives to encourage investment by telecommunications companies are also necessary, accelerating the rollout of 5G networks and creating an ultra-fast communication environment for AI technology development. In addition, investments in strengthening cybersecurity must go hand in hand. As AI technology advances, the risk of cyberattacks also increases, making the establishment of a safe and reliable internet environment essential.
While the Donald Trump administration has been pursuing various policies to improve internet infrastructure, it has yet to achieve tangible results, according to evaluations. Experts point out that the deregulation policies being pursued by the Donald Trump administration are actually undermining the willingness of telecommunications companies to invest, which could lead to delays in the construction of 5G networks. Critiques have also been raised that relying on encouraging voluntary investment from private companies, rather than government-led investment expansion, has its limitations when it comes to improving internet infrastructure. Therefore, the US government needs to take a more proactive approach to improving internet infrastructure, strengthening cooperation with private companies and continuing efforts to gain an advantage in the AI race. The challenges facing the United States should be recognized as critical tasks directly linked to national security and economic prosperity, going beyond mere technical issues.
Meanwhile, on October 27, 2025, the KOSPI surpassed the 4,000-point mark, signaling positive momentum for the South Korean economy. This economic growth is expected to contribute to South Korea securing a favorable position in the high-tech competition. However, on October 14, 2025, China's Ministry of Commerce announced a complete trade ban on five of Hanwha Ocean's US subsidiaries, leading DAPA's Seok Jong-gun to express concern that China's sanctions against Hanwha Ocean could affect the MASGA project. These trade sanctions could disrupt global supply chains and hinder the overseas expansion of South Korean companies. These trade-related issues are expected to be discussed at the meeting between Donald Trump and the Chinese leader scheduled for Thursday in Busan, and the South Korean government must engage in proactive diplomatic efforts to protect the interests of its companies.
