How Broadband Can Be the Backbone for a Green Economy

Networked digital technology can lead to energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. That's the underlying notion from two sources this week — a report from the Progressive States Network, Communications Workers of America, Sierra Club and the Blue Green Alliance, as well as a call to action from Hans Vestberg the CEO of telecom gear maker Ericsson.

Both sets of voices are lauding broadband as the backbone for creating a green economy, and calling for more federal policies and incentives to help boost the buildout of broadband infrastructure. The report, called Networking the Green Economy, focuses on how investment in information technology can help the economy and reduce energy consumption (and carbon emissions) by developing a smarter grid, smarter buildings, and using broadband to boost teleconferencing and telehealth services.