For Immediate Release                                 Contact: Phil Singer

January 28, 2009                                         202-870-4240 

Broadband for America Responds to State of the Union

Broadband Internet Results in Opportunities & Job Creation  

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Honorary Co-Chairs of the Broadband for America (BfA) coalition Michael K. Powell and Harold E. Ford, Jr. issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address last night: 

“The President spoke clearly about the striking economic challenges confronting the nation and that every tool must be used to reduce unemployment and put more Americans back to work.  We agree with President Obama and believe opportunities presented by broadband access to the Internet serve as a real avenue for growth and job creation.  America’s broadband providers have invested over $100 billion in their networks over the past two years.  The infrastructure which has been built, maintained, and continuously improved is standing ready to be a major factor in improving America’s job picture.  In fact, the broadband and information technology sectors created nearly half of all new jobs in America in 2008 and contribute nearly $1 trillion to the economy annually.  We urge leaders in government to make the highest and best use of a national resource – broadband access to the Internet – in reaching their goal of creating jobs.” 

Broadband for America (BfA) is a growing coalition of over 140 members ranging from independent consumer advocacy groups, to content and application providers, to the companies which build and maintain the Internet. The complete BfA membership list is available at: http://www.broadbandforamerica.com/about/members

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