U.S. Chamber Applauds Passage of the Broadband Data Improvement Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce commends the President and both chambers of Congress for passage of S. 1492, the "Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2008." The legislation was passed by Congress earlier this month and signed into law by President Bush on Friday. By establishing a state broadband data and development grant program, the bill will foster state-level, public-private partnerships aimed at identifying gaps in broadband coverage and increasing the supply of and demand for broadband in these areas.

"A broadband connection allows businesses, regardless of size or location, to sell to customers around the country and the world," said William L. Kovacs, U.S. Chamber Vice President for Environment, Technology, and Regulatory Affairs. "S. 1492 will help underserved businesses and communities realize the full benefits of broadband technology."

The Chamber recently sent a letter to members of Congress strongly supporting S. 1492 because 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. Enactment of S. 1492 could have a total annual economic impact of more than $134 billion; according to a study released earlier this year by Chamber partner Connected Nation.

"With the challenges currently facing the nation's economy, this new broadband policy will mean better education, more jobs, improved healthcare, more efficient government, and access to a better quality of life for all Americans," said Kovacs.

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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