Genachowski Delivers on Why Broadband Plan Needed

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski reminded people why it was so important to craft a National Broadband Plan:

• First, because broadband is essential to our global competitiveness - essential to job creation in a digital economy, to ongoing investment in vital 21st century infrastructure, and to our ability to lead the world in innovation.
• Second, because broadband is essential for opportunity in America - for all Americans, from all communities and backgrounds, living in rural towns, inner cities, or in between.
• And, third, because broadband is essential to solving so many of the challenges facing our nation -- including education, health care, energy and public safety, each of which is specifically mentioned in the Congressional directive.

We need a strategic plan for broadband in America because, notwithstanding the many exciting things happening in the U.S. around wired and wireless broadband, our country is not where it should be in this fast-paced and rapidly changing world.

"If we don't act," Chairman Genachowski said, "our global competitiveness is at risk, as well as our role as the world's leader in innovation.

If we don't act, we put at risk what should be -- what must be -- a central engine of job creation in a 21st century economy.

If we don't act, we put at risk the promise of America as a land of opportunity, stranding on the wrong side of the digital divide a host of important American communities: rural Americans, low-income Americans, minorities, seniors, Tribal communities, and Americans with disabilities, too many of whom will be left fighting the challenges of a 21st century world with 20th century weapons.

If we don't act, we put at risk too many of our children, who won't have the tools they need to be successful members of the new economy and engaged citizens in our democracy.

If we don't act, we put at risk and will surely delay the benefits and cost savings from e-government and smart grid; e-textbooks and distance learning; electronic health records and remote diagnostics.

If we don't act, we put at risk our opportunity to lead the world in mobile; the vitality of our small businesses and entrepreneurs, whether in farming communities, small towns, or technology incubators; and we put at risk the ability of our first responders to obtain the tools they need to keep us-and themselves-safe."