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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

FCC Hears from Small Business on National Broadband Plan

With many entrepreneurs already utilizing the power of broadband technology, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is identifying steps to accelerate the adoption of broadband in the small business community. The FCC has been charged with developing a National Broadband Plan by Congress and President Obama, which includes strategies to increase adoption and ensure all Americans have access to broadband.

At an August 18, 2009 workshop hosted by the FCC, representatives from the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) will serve as panelists for two roundtables to offer ideas, practical steps and policy measures that should be considered in developing a National Broadband Plan. The "Opportunities for Small and Disadvantaged Businesses" workshop can be viewed live via webcast, by visiting www.broadband.gov.

I encourage small business owners and entrepreneurs to let their voice be heard and participate in this important event. The innovations that have stemmed from broadband technologies are allowing businesses to run more productively, cut costs and conduct business in new markets. Policymakers need to continue to foster an environment that encourages investment to accelerate broadband deployment and allow innovation to flourish.

The private sector, government and educational institutions all play an important role in educating small businesses about the benefits of broadband technology, including the value it brings to their operations and competitiveness. SBE Council has encouraged a collaborative approach to such an effort, and we applaud the FCC for including the perspective of entrepreneurs into this important discussion as they develop a National Broadband Plan.

SBE Council Chief Economist Raymond Keating is a panelist for the "Broadband Policy Perspectives" panel where he will speak to the issue of how to encourage private sector investment during this challenging economic period. He will highlight how broadband has positively impacted small business owners and entrepreneurs.

SBE Council member Todd Flemming, CEO of Infrasafe, Inc., will participate in the "Broadband Business Perspectives" panel. He will discuss how his firm utilizes the power of broadband technologies, as well as the importance of security in carrying out services for his customers.

There is still time to listen in to the workshop via webcast at www.broadband.gov.

Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO

1 comment:

creekinmad said...

I question why television doesn't have a small business channel that promotes innovation, small business, entrepreneurship. Is this possible?
I have a friend who has had this idea for many years and has tried to get it going but has never found anyone who understands how TV, internet, and a walk in store could be coordinated for a 24/7 EXPO on all things business.