Obama to set pair of infrastructure goals in speech

While America’s infrastructure used to be the best in the world, “our lead has slipped,” Obama will say. He will point out that South Korea offers its citizens better Internet access, while nations in Europe, Russia, and China are investing in greater amounts on more advanced technology.

“We have to do better,” he will say, adding that a strong infrastructure is a key component to making America attractive to businesses.

The president will call for 80 percent of Americans to have access to high-speed rail within 25 years, which could halve travel time compared to cars, and may even be faster than flying in some cases — “without the pat-down,” he will add.

Within just five years, the president will say he wants to allow businesses to provide high-speed wireless Internet access to 98 percent of all Americans.

“This isn’t just about a faster Internet and fewer dropped calls,” he will say. “It’s about connecting every part of America to the digital age.”