It is clearly recognized that broadband deployment and access is major enabler of economic growth, innovation, and improvements in important societal objectives including health care and education.    We’ve been arguing for some time that we have made a lot of progress in building out broadband networks and in moving towards more advanced high speed networks based on new technologies such as EVDO in wireless and fiber networks such as FiOS.

 

At the same time, while the deployment and uptake of broadband has been one of the most rapid and remarkable technology adoption stories in history, it is also true that work remains to be done.  We know that we must continue to advance the capacity of these networks and most importantly ensure that all Americans have access to the technology, particularly in hard to reach rural areas.

We have felt for a long time that the U. S. policy of eliminating government imposed barriers to investment and encouraging competition between networks – including cable networks, telephone networks, and wireless technologies – has worked well.  We are seeing major investments in broadband technologies including Verizon’s FiOS fiber to the home network and Third Generation or 3G broadband wireless networks.  Competition between networks is working well in many parts of the country.

 

But we have acknowledged that there are areas where the economics make it much more challenging to ensure deployment, particularly less densely populated areas of rural America.  Even in these areas, however, we have been encouraged that American ingenuity can come up with good models to promote rural deployment that do not require massive new government programs or subsidies.   The Connect Kentucky model – now embodied in a national program called “Connected Nation” – combines the can do spirit of volunteerism with a belief in creative private-public partnerships.   The program has successfully promoted deployment of broadband throughout most of the state of Kentucky, a state which at one time was among the bottom tier when it came to broadband availability.

 

While broadband deployment is an important domestic issue, I frankly did not expect it to receive much attention in a presidential campaign where there are so many issues of importance under discussion.  But yesterday, Senator Hillary Clinton outlined a new “Innovation Agenda” in which the importance of broadband deployment was strongly emphasized.  I was pleased not only that the issue was mentioned but that Senator Clinton pointed to the Connect Kentucky as the model she would use to address the issue if she were to become president.

 

This is not a partisan issue however.   The Bush Administration too has pointed to the Connect Kentucky model as a positive initiative.   On Capitol Hill, legislation in both the Senate and  House is being considered that would include elements of the Connect Kentucky model and while we can all quibble with parts of the legislative proposal, both democrats and republicans have highlighted the Connect Kentucky model as one that has merit. 

 

Building or upgrading networks takes time, especially in a country the size of the U. S., with its often challenging topography. We have made lots of progress in making broadband available to the majority of Americans but as our Executive Vice President Tom Tauke said at a conference a couple of years ago “As broadband becomes increasingly embedded in our lives, it will be considered essential for economic health, for personal health … for education … and entertainment. Consumers will expect to have broadband connections. No community will want to be left out of the broadband world.” 

 

We know that no Americans can be left without access to broadband technology.  That is why we are encouraged that political leaders at all levels are coming to see the importance of the Connect Kentucky model.  We have supported the program in states like West Virginia which just recently launched its own initiative working with the Connected Nation staff a few weeks ago.  With growing national recognition, we are encouraged that this positive, successful model will take root in many states across the nation.