Senator Klobuchar Pushes for Better Broadband Infrastructure
Broadband Investments Expected to Be Part of Economic Recovery Plan

SAINT PAUL, MN – In anticipation of a national economic recovery plan, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar convened a roundtable discussion at the State Capitol to identify key priorities for promoting high-speed broadband Internet access and service in Minnesota.

President-elect Obama has indicated that investments in broadband communications infrastructure will be a significant part of the large-scale economic recovery plan expected in early 2009.

“Broadband has become a key infrastructure for our 21st century economy,” said Klobuchar. “It’s essential that all of our communities have affordable access to high-speed Internet service. I want to go back to Washington and make sure that federal broadband investments will serve the needs of Minnesota.”

Klobuchar noted that the United States has become an international laggard on Internet access. According to the International Telecommunications Union, the U.S. ranks 24th in the world in broadband penetration. In the U.S., rural access and usage is significantly lower than the national average.

“In many communities," Klobuchar said, "the problem is that access is either too slow or too expensive, or both. As a result, businesses, hospitals, schools and even law enforcement are all at a disadvantage.”

Klobuchar said that broadband service is becoming increasingly important for job creation and economic development. She cited a recent study by the Brookings Institution, which estimates that every one percentage point increase in broadband penetration per year would lead to the creation of nearly 300,000 new jobs.

“What Obama can do for our broadband infrastructure is similar to what Roosevelt did for rural electrification and what Eisenhower did for the national highway system,” Klobuchar said. “It’s a crucial investment in the future of our economy.”

Participants joining Klobuchar for the roundtable discussion included:
• Bill Coleman, Blandin Foundation (Grand Rapids)
• Jeff Hunt, Park Rapids Area Schools– ISD 309 (Park Rapids)
• Pam Lehman, Lac qui Parle County Economic Development Authority (Madison)
• Tim Lovaasen, President, Minnesota Communications Workers of America (Minneapolis)
• Tony Mayer, West Central Telephone Cooperative (Sebeka)
• Tim Rice, Lakewood Health System (Staples)
• Brita Sailer, Minnesota State Representative (Park Rapids)

Klobuchar calls for broadband investments as part of economic recovery plan

In her first floor speech of the 111th Senate, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today advocated for strengthening the nation’s broadband infrastructure as a way to jump-start the economy. Klobuchar said that incorporating these investments into the upcoming economic stimulus bill would help struggling communities, especially those in rural areas, by expanding educational, health care and employment opportunities.

“In these tough economic times, broadband deployment will create jobs – not only the direct creation of jobs in the tech sector, but also the creation of even more indirect employment opportunities by increasing access to broadband.” said Klobuchar. “After visiting rural communities in Minnesota to discuss economic conditions during the last two months, I heard first-hand from people about the importance of making sure they have access to fast and affordable broadband.”

Klobuchar noted that the United States is falling behind other nations in Internet access. According to the International Telecommunications Union, the U.S. ranks 24th in the world in broadband penetration.

In the U.S., rural access and usage is significantly lower than the national average. Broadband service is becoming increasingly important for job creation and economic development. During her speech, Klobuchar cited a recent study by the Brookings Institution, which estimates that every one percentage point increase in broadband penetration per year would lead to the creation of nearly 300,000 new jobs.