U.S. Chamber Releases Studies Highlighting the Benefits of Broadband Technology

WASHINGTON, DC— The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today released two major studies showing the economic benefits of broadband to all consumers, especially senior citizens. The papers recommend policies that the federal government should adopt to spur investment in broadband infrastructure, which is also a goal of the economic stimulus package being discussed in Congress.

"An estimated $60 billion has been invested in broadband infrastructure by the communications industry this year," said William Kovacs, the U.S. Chamber's vice president for Environment, Technology, and Regulatory Affairs. "Given these turbulent economic times, federal policy must continue to support this high-level of investment. This will spur job growth, innovation, and consumer choice. We cannot afford to reverse course."

The first paper, "Network Effects: An Introduction to Broadband Technology & Regulation" provides an introduction to broadband technology and regulation, and offers a set of recommendations to promote broadband deployment and adoption across the United States.

The second paper, "The Impact of Broadband on Senior Citizens" focuses on the importance of broadband to senior citizens and examines the best practices that policymakers should support to ensure that seniors continue to realize the full benefits of competition, innovation, and investment in this market. Future studies to be released by the U.S. Chamber will examine the impact broadband has on telemedicine, people with disabilities, and education.

"Broadband technology allows senior citizens to reap tremendous benefits," Kovacs said. "It allows seniors the ability to save money on a wide array of items, manage retirement funds online, cut prescription drug costs, and work from home."

The studies were conducted by Charles M. Davidson and Michael J. Santorelli of the Advanced Communications Law & Policy Institute at New York Law School. For more on information on broadband and to read the studies visit: www.uschamber.com/telecom.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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