At a time when many interest groups are focused on unnecessary Internet regulation, Connected Nation — with support from groups like the Alliance for Public Technology and the Communications Workers of America — has gotten it right. After reading its new study The Economic Impact of Stimulating Broadband Nationally, it’s clear that ubiquitous broadband deployment must be considered one of the nation’s top public policy priorities. How many things can you think of that have the ability to improve health care, education, the environment and our economy all at the same time? Just to name a few!

The new Connected Nation report puts the focus on broadband policy where it should be — promoting innovative approaches that unleash the power of public-private partnerships which then lead to the rapid expansion of access to broadband. The report details the state-by-state impact of legislation aimed at accelerating broadband access and use. Its findings suggest that the United States could realize an impact of $134 billion annually from a modest increase in broadband adoption.

The Connected Nation report should be required reading for anyone interested in the future of the Internet.  Certainly, we have made real progress. And we all know there is more to achieve. That’s why the nearly 1,400 broadband service providers in the U.S. are working hard to expand access while offering a widening array of services. Last year alone the broadband industry invested $70 billion in infrastructure improvements. We must ensure that all Americans are able to reap the reward of that investment.

Lawrence Spiwak, President of the Phoenix Center for Advanced Legal & Economic Public Policy Studies said it right, “The Connected Nation approach to broadband is perhaps the most important public policy innovation for communications services in many decades.  In an environment characterized by constant rhetorical divisiveness, Connected Nation pulls people together to share in their relentless focus on expanding broadband availability and subscription.  As this new study shows, there is much to gain from expanding broadband availability and use in this country, and Connected Nation has proven itself up to the task.” 

Bottom Line: our first priority must be a unified commitment to the ubiquitous deployment of broadband.  Connected Nation has gotten it right – let’s follow their lead.   

Click below to see highlights from the Connected Nation Hill Briefing