U.S. Chamber Welcomes FCC's National Broadband Plan

'Broadband Stimulates Job Creation, Fosters Economic Growth, and Improves Our Society,' Kovacs Says

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce welcomes the National Broadband Plan released today by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and applauds the commission for adopting a process that encouraged public input into the document.

"Broadband stimulates job creation, fosters economic growth, and improves our society," said William L. Kovacs senior vice president for Environment, Technology, and Regulatory Affairs at the U.S. Chamber. "The Chamber is pleased that the FCC's plan recognizes the importance of spurring broadband deployment to unserved areas, improving broadband adoption rates, and supporting public-private partnerships. It also addresses barriers that hinder the use of broadband by people with disabilities, by seniors, in education, and in health care."

"The U.S. broadband market is flourishing," Kovacs said. "Cable operators, phone companies, wireless carriers, and others are all vying to provide broadband service to consumers. Broadband-enabled applications, services, and devices are being released daily. Despite these factors, there are still parts of the country where businesses do not have access to broadband or its related applications and services."

It will take up to $350 billion to make broadband universally available in the United States, according to the FCC's Broadband Task Force. The vast majority of this spending will come from the private sector. Moreover, even where broadband is available, individuals do not subscribe to broadband for a variety of reasons.

"To ensure that all Americans fully benefit from broadband, federal policies should foster private-sector investment and minimize regulatory uncertainty," said Kovacs. "The Chamber looks forward to working with the FCC, Congress, and other relevant agencies on implementation of the National Broadband Plan."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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