Government and industry share a common goal of improving the Internet to provide universal broadband access. The billions of dollars the private sector has invested in improving our communications infrastructure is a testament to their commitment.

In order to expand access we also need to help consumers understand the benefits of the Internet, as your industry does. A recent study revealed that nearly 60 percent of consumers who could access broadband choose not to and half of those respondents feel they don’t need it. This information gap must be addressed by helping consumers understand the ways broadband can strengthen our economy, improve our health care system and open doors to new educational opportunities.

We need the right policies in place that will encourage a cooperative effort to foster innovation and expand access. Unnecessary regulations will only stifle technological progress and hinder new innovations trying to enter the marketplace.

Tom Amontree
SVP – Communications and Industry Affairs
USTelecom – The Broadband Association