FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and his team gathered at the University of Chicago yesterday afternoon for a field hearing on broadband and small businesses.  Genachowski kicked off the event by sharing the three reasons that he believes broadband is the key to opportunity in the 21^st century:

1)   Broadband is vital for economic growth, job creation and small business startups.

2)   Broadband is an essential platform for driving success with other opportunities like health care and energy.

3)   Broadband will be our platform for civic engagement and improved government services.

Not surprising with his background as an entrepreneur, the Chairman believes that small businesses are the engine of our economy.  “Broadband enables small businesses to reach new customers and new audiences, five miles away or 500 miles away.”  Just a few of the benefits of broadband that he mentioned, which many of the panelists echoed, include reducing costs, increasing profits and creating new jobs.

Panelists shared their diverse experiences and what they hope to see in the National Broadband Plan.  Representatives from government, tech startups, nonprofits, law offices and more, all discussed how they rely on broadband to do business.  Many would like to keep up with technology and told the FCC that they need strong broadband networks that will accommodate large files, video transmissions and a booming mobile market—all of which makes a strong case for ensuring any policy changes continue to support vigorous investment in broadband networks.

Broadband has created unprecedented opportunities for small business across our nation.  Here’s hoping the National Broadband Plan supports and continues this progress that is creating jobs across our nation. Hear are some recent postings on NextGenWeb that relate to broadband and small businesses that we hope the FCC will consider in light of today’s discussion:

• Broadband Mayor Graham Richard talks about how broadband drives economic growth
• Small business owner and President of RI Tech Council guest posting on broadband and small businesses
• NextGenWeb interviews founder of Genius Federation, a nonprofit dedicated to minority entrepreneurship

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