Connected Nation’s Summary of the Broadband Data Improvement Act

Connected Nation applauds the bipartisan support of federal legislation dedicated to ensuring that all Americans enjoy the benefits of a broadband connection.

Passed by unanimous consent in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, S. 1492 – the Broadband Data Improvement Act – is the culmination of almost two years of work by the Commerce Committees in both chambers. Congress working in a bi-partisan manner achieved consensus on a national broadband plan that includes as a cornerstone the Connected Nation model of public-private partnerships leveraging their combined power to improve the quality-of-life for all Americans.

In the Broadband Data Improvement Act, Congress agrees that broadband deployment and adoption results in enhanced economic development, enhanced public safety, healthcare and educational opportunities, and improves quality of life. The Congress also stipulates that continued progress in deployment and adoption are vital to America’s future, that better federal data on broadband will help this progress, and that the federal government should assist in state efforts to create public-private partnerships.

S. 1492 takes action to improve the knowledge of the federal government on the status of broadband in the U.S. through directives to the FCC, the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Comptroller General, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Through new collected information from consumers and broadband providers, and studies on broadband, these provisions will help inform federal activity on broadband policy in the years to come. In addition, statewide broadband availability maps must be compiled by the Department of Commerce into a national broadband map.

The Broadband Data Improvement Act also creates a new competitive grant program to spur the creation and support of state-based broadband initiatives. In order for states to access grant funds, they must work with a nonprofit to:

• Create a statewide broadband availability map
• Increase broadband availability by working with broadband providers and the public sector
• Increase broadband adoption using grassroots demand aggregation
• Conduct research to assess the barriers to technology use
• Create a Computers4Kids™-like program that puts computers into the hands of at risk children

Statement from Connected Nation’s CEO
"By passing this bill unanimously in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, every member of Congress has promoted the importance of broadband and the related technologies that are enabled when communities and families have the ability and desire to connect to a world of opportunity. We appreciate the U.S. Congress’ support and leadership on this matter, particularly of those many Members of Congress who directly sought the input of Connected Nation as they crafted this groundbreaking legislation. Congress has demonstrated an appreciation of the need to ensure that all people, regardless of their location or socio-economic status, have the ability to realize the promises of technology. Connected Nation is heartened by both the bipartisanship demonstrated in the passage of this crucial legislation and the wide coalition of groups and interests that joined together to ensure it was passed before Congress adjourns. For the United States, this new broadband policy will mean better education, more jobs, improved healthcare, more efficient government and a better quality of life accessible for all Americans, regardless of their location or socio-economic circumstances.”

-- Brian Mefford, CEO of Connected Nation, Inc.

With an Eye to America's Future Economic Prosperity Congress Unanimously Passes Historic Broadband Legislation

Today, S1492, the Broadband Data Improvement Act, passed the Senate unanimously after moving through the House yesterday in the same fashion – and is now on its way to the President’s desk. As such, every member of Congress has promoted the importance of broadband and the related technologies that are enabled when communities and families have the ability and desire to connect to a world of opportunity.

Whenever a broad coalition has invested greatly in successfully promoting policy that is of personal importance and relevance we are easily given to lofty praise and accolades of the highest kind. Today, that inclination is only fueled, not dampened, by the current economic crisis facing the United States.

One of the hallmarks of American fortitude is that even in the face of divisive debate our nation’s leaders are capable of working together to promote and enable a vision for a better tomorrow.

For the United States, this new broadband policy will mean better education, more jobs, improved healthcare, more efficient government and a better quality of life accessible for all Americans, regardless of their location or socio-economic circumstances.

Connected Nation has been but only a part of ensuring that Congress would take such a bold step to ensuring the strength of America’s leadership in a global and intensely connected economy.

To the numerous individuals and organizations who have invested so much time and energy into the process of shaping and promoting a national broadband policy we offer heartfelt gratitude. Moreover, to the Members of Congress, particularly the sponsors and the members of the committees of jurisdiction and their staff who have invested so much as well, we are indeed appreciative and humbled by your service to the country. Connected Nation will work doggedly to make certain that the return is high on this investment in progress.

Now is the time to put our shoulder into the work before us. We look forward to continuing this effort with such an esteemed and broad coalition as together we engage with communities across the nation to ensure that all of our citizens are able to access the promise of innovation and ingenuity - the promise of the American dream.

Thank You.
Brian Mefford

Congress Has Opportunity to Connect the Nation

Below from Link Hoewing over at the Verizon Policy Blog

Last night during the first presidential debate, Senator Barack Obama included the deployment of broadband technology to all Americans as one of the economic priorities he would establish if he became President. Senator John McCain supports the deployment of broadband technology and calls it a “top priority” to ensure deployment as widely as possible.

All year, both house of Congress have been considering legislation that would, among other things, establish grant programs to support mapping initiatives in the states to identify gaps in broadband deployment and to help fund the efforts of groups in the states, like Connected Nation, focused on promoting the deployment of broadband. The legislation, S. 1492, has passed the Senate and is now pending in the House. Over the last several years, we have made great progress in a number of states in promoting broadband deployment using mapping strategies and “e-teams” focused on encouraging deployment and helping people get training and PCs so they can take advantage of broadband.

There is abundant evidence that broadband technology can promote economic growth, energy efficiency, improved education programs and better health care. The multiplier effects of broadband technology are immense. Relatively small investments in broadband can encourage substantial returns in economic growth, new jobs and innovation. Dozens of organizations – from the Alliance for Public Technology to the Communications Workers of America to companies like Verizon and Cisco – support S. 1492. Congress can take a big step to promote a healthy economy by passing this legislation and I hope it does so today.

http://policyblog.verizon.com/PolicyBlog/Blogs/policyblog/LinkHoewing9/537/Pass-Legislation-to-Promote-Broadband-Deployment-.aspx