This week, the Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA) delivered the
Broadband Fact Book to Congress on the heels of an OECD report and hearings in both houses of Congress on broadband deployment. The Factbook, available in hard copy and online is part of an IIA initiative, and according to the group, its purpose is "to prepare for the impending explosive growth in video applications and downloads that is triggering the deluge of data, and to inform why it portends both a tremendous opportunity and an important challenge." The Factbook is a resource for policy makers and all Americans that are learning about high-speed broadband -- how to use it, who benefits, the future demands on the Internet and what the United States must do to bring faster, affordable and more reliable broadband to every American.
U.S. policy-makers are facing critical decisions about the future of broadband in America. IIA, co-chaired by two former government policymakers, believes that good information is essential in the process.
"In my experience, informed policymakers make the right decisions when they have the most accurate and current information at their fingertips," said IIA co-chairman Larry Irving. "To aid in this decision-making process, the Internet Innovation Alliance has gathered relevant and significant data in a single location."
"We churn out enough new digital data to fill the Library of Congress every day," said Bruce Mehlman, IIA co-chairman. "That pace means keeping the Factbook current is an enormous challenge. As such, we plan to update the online version of the Factbook regularly."
Irving served as assistant commerce secretary for communications and information technology under President Bill Clinton. Mehlman directed technology policy as assistant secretary of commerce for technology policy under President George W. Bush.
