Secretary Gutierrez Talks Broadband

Earlier this week in a speech about communications policy, Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez talked about broadband, and emphasized many of the points that USTelecom has been advocating on the benefits of broadband. 

Secretary Gutierrez highlighted the importance of preserving a pro-investment climate for the broadband market and used an effective comparison illustrating the amount the communications industry has already invested:

"To put this in perspective, the cost of building the interstate highway system in today's dollars would be about $20 billion annually over 25 years.  But in 2007 alone, private companies invested more than $70 billion in communications infrastructure in North America."

Gutierrez also called for letting market-based competition rule the broadband market:

"While that investment is impressive--the continuing need for broadband growth will demand even more. Some estimate that broadband traffic will increase as much as 50 fold in the next seven years. To keep pace, providers must develop new capacity and maintain the flexibility to manage their networks effectively and transparently.  Broad regulations that limit the ability of operators to price or manage their networks could actually deter and delay investment and innovation. The result would be fewer choices and higher prices for consumers."

Finally, Gutierrez spoke of what broadband is bringing to health care, education, consumer applications and entertainment:

"This tremendous growth has brought amazing technologies and services to the American people. Think about some of the breakthroughs enabled by broadband:

• Telemedicine allows doctors to diagnose and care for patients in rural areas, or those who can't get to a hospital.
• Virtual classrooms allow a single parent to take college courses at night, furthering their education and their ability to provide for their families.
• E-business has created more Americans entrepreneurs who can sell goods and services in the online marketplace.
• And not to mention the amazing video capabilities that bring movies and television programs to our laptops."

As Secretary Gutierrez said:  "Broadband has changed the way we do business, the way we educate and the way we interact."
 
USTelecom couldn't agree more, and we're proud to be part of the industry effort that is bringing broadband's innovation and promise to Americans everywhere.