Studies highlight benefits of broadband

July 29th, 2009

There have been a few studies released recently that highlight the many benefits of broadband and how consumers are using those benefits.  One study, The Substantial Consumer Benefits of Broadband Connectivity for U.S. Households by Jonathan Orzag and Mark Dutz found that consumers are increasingly seeing broadband as a necessity.  The study found that consumer benefits of broadband amount to approximately $32 billion annually.  Such a high number speaks for itself in terms of the value that Americans place on broadband connections.

A recent study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project highlights one of the many unique ways that consumers are receiving value from the Internet.  The study found that in this economy, many consumers are turning to the Internet for economic help. Whether it’s through use of social networking websites to discuss the economy or searching for information on how to cope with the economy, consumers are looking to the Internet. A total of 88% of U.S. Internet users have gone online for information regarding the economy.

These two studies show the impact that broadband and access to it are having on our society.  The data exemplifies just how important broadband is, which reminds us why we need to make sure we’re creating public policy environments that encourage broadband investment.

The role of technology in enhancing economic growth

July 13th, 2009

Recently I attended a leadership breakfast at the Georgia Public Policy Institute.  The speaker was James Glassman, a former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and current president of World Growth Institute, an organization that promotes global economic development.  At the State Department he was responsible for creating the “public face” of the U.S. and he talked about how his office used the latest technologies and Internet features to enhance the U.S. image.  In his work there, technology was key, in that it helps break down barriers where nothing else can.  It helped encourage “the Grand Conversation” as he called it – a process of worldwide discussions and interaction through the use of new technologies, particularly social-networking technologies.  Look at the recent example in Iran where news of the protests and elections were getting out via Twitter.  He then talked about how investment in technology can help with economic growth on a national and state level.  In his opinion, states that encourage information technology will be states that prosper.  A way to do that, he believes, is to readdress some of the old-standing regulations on telecommunications technology that no longer make sense given today’s economy.  By updating current regulatory conditions, consumers will benefit from increased competition – meaning more investment and better prices.  And, Glassman noted, updated regulatory policies will help encourage the “Grand Conversation”.

Citizens for a Digital Future supports public policies that will encourage deployment and enhancement of broadband and digital technologies.  What Glassman said about technologies increasing economic growth, as well as worldwide “conversations”, makes a lot of sense and I hope to see more public policies that will encourage that kind of technology growth.

North Carolina passes Consumer Choice and Investment Act

July 7th, 2009

North Carolina has recently taken great strides in modernizing their telecommunications market with the passage of the Consumer Choice and Investment Act. Outdated telecom regulations were hindering consumer access to new services and technologies; however, the recently passed bill will allow the market to keep pace with the ever expanding variety of telecommunications options for consumers.

Because the Consumer Choice and Investment Act passed:

• Outdated regulations will be removed and consumers will be allowed to benefit from a variety of technologies, such as VoIP, wireless, broadband and others in addition to traditional wireline phones, from a variety of providers.

• Consumers will benefit from more choices and will experience better service as companies fight for business by investing in current services and new, advanced technologies.

• Companies will now have an incentive to invest even more in new technologies and services. Investment in further deployment and adoption of broadband and digital technologies will benefit all North Carolinians.

• A new market environment will be created that is attractive to new investment and will keep North Carolina competitive with other states. Investment dollars will foster innovation and enable greater broadband access in the state.

The bill now goes to the Governor for signature.