The Importance of Broadband to the Health Care System
June 5, 2003
To Members of the United States Congress:
Over the next several weeks, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) will partner with leading trade associations in banking, health care, transportation, education, and other sectors of our economy to highlight the benefits of a national broadband policy. This week the Chamber and the National Rural Health Association will highlight the importance of broadband to our nation's health care system.
Broadband technologies eliminate the distance barrier for rural patients by providing access to out-of-area physicians and health care resources. High-speed networks allow doctors to deliver medical care quickly and more efficiently. Broadband-enabled medical devices are allowing hospitals and health care providers to reduce costs, improve care, and decrease the amount of time patients and doctors must spend in consultation.
Private investment in high-speed networks will generate high-paying jobs, provide new growth in economically struggling communities, and increase the efficiency and productivity of the nation's businesses in all sectors. Congress should adopt policies that encourage widespread deployment of broadband networks and the development of new applications.
The Chamber and its coalition partners are committed to a nationwide education campaign to promote awareness of broadband capabilities. We urge Congress and the administration to join us in promoting a national broadband strategy that enables the United States to remain a technological and economic leader.
Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten
Executive Vice President
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Wayne Myers, M.D.
National Rural Health Association