Alabama passes law to expand broadband development
May 13, 2009
The Alabama state senate has passed a law that a technology nonprofit group said today will encourage broad deployment, transparency and enhancement of broadband and digital technologies in the state.
Citizens for a Digital Future said Alabama's Communications Modernization and Lifetime Improvement Act will help to increase access to broadband and other digital technologies for citizens across the state.
John Watson, chairman of Citizens for a Digital Future, today thanked the legislature and governor for passing the law, which he said will encourage economic development.
"As more companies find Alabama to be an increasingly attractive and rewarding place to do business, the state will enjoy the increase in investment dollars which will benefit consumers by spurring innovation and investment in new technologies and increased competition for customers," Watson said.
Increasing competition among broadband providers helps consumers by lowering prices and pushing broadband providers to differentiate themselves through better products and services.
This type of increased competition is evident in the recent AT&T acquisition of wireless spectrum from Verizon Wireless, which will allow AT&T to offer wireless services in more rural areas of the South and West, including Alabama.
Watson said Citizens for a Digital Future hopes that other states will see the opportunities and benefits of updating their outdated telecommunications laws.
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