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Health & Fitness

It Is Time We Make Universal Broadband Priority Number One

Because small business remains the key driver of our economy, it's more critical than ever that these businesses have the ability to harness innovative technologies that can foster growth.

Even in the midst of these difficult economic times, the United States is still viewed as the most innovative free market society in the world. And, because small business remains the key driver of our economy, it’s more critical than ever that these businesses have the ability to harness innovative technologies that can foster growth.

A recent article Bruce P. Mehlman, Co-Chairman of the Internet Innovation Alliance, aptly explains how access to advanced communications technology enables small business growth. “For businesses, broadband screams efficiency and innovation. The technology maps the path for businesses to be more competitive while reducing costs.”

With access to high-speed broadband, Mehlman explains, business owners can sell goods and services from anywhere to anyone, at any time. It is arguably the most important tool for any business owner to increase productivity and profitability especially in a struggling economy.

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 A study by Connected Nation showed that small businesses with a broadband connection generated 15 percent more in annual revenue than businesses without the technology. The study also found that more than two million businesses don't have access to broadband. Expanding broadband access to these two million businesses, and countless individuals, would generate significant economic growth and create desperately needed jobs throughout the country.

Government programs to expand access to broadband have achieved limited success at best. Government’s key role may be to step out and let private investment fund the build out of broadband Internet access. It can start by approving the merger between AT&T and T-Mobile.

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The Federal Communications Commission is currently reviewing a proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile that would expand broadband coverage to more than 97 percent of Americans and provide an additional 55 Americans with access to AT&T’s 4G LTE service. This is the type of private investment that will ensure all Americans have access to the latest technology. Unfortunately the deal is stuck in bureaucratic red tape, putting small businesses and rural Americans at a significant disadvantage. 

Providing small businesses greater access to broadband will not only improve existing operations, it will also create opportunities for potential job creation. Everyday innovators are creating new mobile applications for everything from managing your money to managing your health. The possibilities are endless and the results will be greater economic growth and prosperity for businesses and the communities in which they operate.

Rural Americans have waited long enough. It is time we make universal broadband priority number one, both in Albany and in Washington, DC. It is time we give allow Americans access to what is currently the most powerful tool for innovation.

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