Communications Crossroads - Fall 2008 - (Page 5)

up front with USTelecom Leadership Decision 2008 It’s that time again. Our nation is preparing to elect a new Congress and the next occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. How we vote is a personal decision every American makes in the privacy of the voting booth. While we must wait for the outcome, one thing is certain today—broadband will remain central to our nation’s economy, global competitiveness and the opportunities available to our citizens. USTelecom has been active in briefing both the McCain and Obama campaigns on the importance of broadband to our nation, reminding them of the central importance of the $60 billion in annual investment made by our nation’s nearly 1,400 broadband providers. We’ve pointed out that this is twice what the U.S. government invested to put a man on the moon and build the interstate highway system—combined—and, yes, that’s adjusted to today’s dollars. We also shared the progress underway across demographics. Rural Americans and working families with incomes between $20,000 and $40,000 had some of the fastest broadband adoption growth over the past year—nearly 25 percent—according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project. And, more than 90 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 28 now own a PC—a pivotal benchmark of broadband accessibility. And, of course, look at the amazing role that broadband has played in this election cycle. From a news source, to social networking on issues, to fundraising, broadband has made possible a whole new way of campaigning. Our nation remains the most competitive on earth. Maintaining this status in the digital era requires policies that encourage substantial private investment and constructive public-private collaborations. The decisions of individual Americans—not uneven government policies—should determine the future. This is the essence of democracy. It will guide our nation at the ballot box. It should also define American innovation policy in the next Administration. Walter B. McCormick Jr., USTelecom CEO Do You Know the Way to San Jose? I have always felt that one of the most important things about being active in your industry association was the information and knowledge you get from learning from your peers. We are fortunate due to the fact that USTelecom continues to produce first-class programming about this evolving industry’s business models, emerging technologies, innovative partnerships and changing consumer demands that are reshaping the industry landscape. At the heart of these efforts is our annual Executive Business Forum. This unique event debuted last year in Silicon Valley. More than 200 executives gathered to learn from one another about what’s working and what needs more work as we all feel our way to new opportunities and navigate a more crowded and competitive field. This October, we return to our nation’s innovation capital to again kick the tires of new technologies and business approaches, as we consider their potential role in our companies. This year’s program which runs from October 1st through the 3rd, will feature a keynote address from Windstream’s President and CEO Jeff Gardner. Over the course of a day and a half, the hot topics could not be more compelling or timely, especially when you consider the title for the program; “Disruptive Technology, Demanding Consumers and Your Broadband Future”. You can check out the full agenda on the USTelecom website at www. ustelecom.org under the “Learn/Events” tab. I thank Bert Kramer and the Telecom Leadership Committee for the hard work they put into developing another relevant, highquality program. In advance of the start of this program, USTelecom will join with Viodi to present a day-long program specially targeted to the all-important issue of content. “Do You Know the Way to San Jose”… a popular song in the 1970s… now an even more relevant question to all leaders of the modern broadband industry. Ron B. McCue, USTelecom Chair Fall 2008 COMMUNICATIONS CROSSROADS 5 http://www.ustelecom.org http://www.ustelecom.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Communications Crossroads - Fall 2008

Communications Crossroads - Fall 2008 Up Front Contents TeleBites The Urge to Merge The 700 MHZ Auction: Results and Speculation Industry Calendar Advertisers DotCom Index to Advertisers People Straight Talk

Communications Crossroads - Fall 2008

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