Letter Supporting S. 1492, the "Broadband Data Improvement Act"

September 27, 2008

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, strongly supports S. 1492, the "Broadband Data Improvement Act," which would authorize funding to states for public-private partnerships focused on identifying gaps in broadband coverage and on increasing the supply of and demand for broadband in these areas.

A February 2008 study released by Connected Nation, a national non-profit, estimated the total annual economic impact of accelerating broadband across the U.S. to be more than $134 billion.

The Chamber believes telecommunications is the central nervous system of the U.S. economy. In particular, broadband applications and services have the power to transform the American economy by spurring investment and innovation in sectors across the economy, including e-commerce, education, healthcare, communications, entertainment, and government. A broadband connection allows businesses, no matter how small or where they are located, to sell to customers everywhere.

Fostering public-private partnerships will spur broadband deployment and adoption across the United States. Therefore, the Chamber urges you to support S. 1492.

Sincerely,

R. Bruce Josten