Chamber Urges Greater Broadband Commitment by Policymakers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce reiterated its support for a widespread broadband initiative and called on policymakers to counter the advantage our international competitors have gained – many of which have surpassed the United States in broadband installation.

"We are the most tech-savvy country in the world, in shear numbers," said Thomas Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "It's past time to turn those numbers into leadership by introducing new technologies, advancing telecom opportunities, and ensuring all segments of society are full participants in the 21st Century."

The Chamber, as part of its support for the development of a federal broadband policy that fosters investment in infrastructure and applications, said it would commission a study on regulatory and investment barriers faced by the telecomm industry.

The comprehensive economic study will identify which current regulations discourage investment in the telecomm and broadband industries and it will assess the impact of regulatory changes that would create new investment incentives.

State and federal policymakers and legislators must seek to minimize the regulatory burdens that delay or prevent the wider application of next-generation technologies, according to the Chamber. Laws and regulations should be technology-neutral and promote market- based competition not government created competition that is contrary to sound economic principles.

"Broadband has the power to transform this country, this economy and the workplace," said Donohue. "Investments in telecomm spur innovation, drive economic development, and create good jobs for American workers."

Broadband technology could also enhance our national security by advancing the integration between federal agencies, improving the flow of information during crisis, and fostering greater redundancy and reliability in our communication services.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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04-10