The Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA) recently announced that it supports AT&T’s proposed purchase of T-Mobile USA.
“It would result in significant wireless Internet expansion to rural communities across the nation,” said IIA Honorary Chairman and former Congressman Rick Boucher, who is championing the consolidation of the two wireless Internet service providers because of improvements broadband would bring to rural areas like those in his home state of Virginia.
“The most direct and immediate way to connect large numbers of rural Americans to the benefits of broadband is through the combination of AT&T and T-Mobile,” he said. “The merger would bring 4G LTE, with wireless speeds rivaling the fastest wired connections, to more than 97 percent of the nation, including many of the hardest to reach areas. Policy makers should recognize the landmark achievement of universal broadband in America when weighing their decision.”
According to IAA, 10 ways broadband will help rural communities are:
1)Links local businesses to global markets
2)Allows consumers to tap into e-commerce savings
3)Expands access to educational opportunities
4)Increases local job growth
5)Connects patients to world class healthcare and reduces healthcare costs
6)Enhances economic options for younger generations
7)Provides new tools to farmers and ranchers to grow their businesses
8)Enables entrepreneurs to locate their businesses locally
9)Attracts customers to local businesses
10)Offers families low cost options to stay in touch using the latest technology
According to an AT&T press release, the company’s acquisition of T-Mobile would create a world-class technology platform in wireless services, advancing America’s mobile broadband and making super high-speed wireless broadband available to most of the nation.
“It allows AT&T to commit to an expanded 4G LTE deployment to 55 million more Americans than currently planned,” according to the release. “The transaction will result in an additional $8 billion of private infrastructure investment – improving our nation and creating jobs. “
Other benefits promoted by AT&T are:
•Increased mobile broadband availability in small, rural communities will help achieve the FCC’s and President Obama’s goal to “connect every part of America to the digital age,” promoting economic growth, investment and job creation.
•Customers will benefit from greater access, lower latency and faster wireless broadband connection speeds, which will enhance personal productivity.
•Customers will experience voice and data service improvements due to increased spectrum efficiencies and network capacity and output.
Proponents say the merger will benefit healthcare, education, social services, small businesses, agriculture and job growth --especially in small and rural communities.