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Citizens for a Digital Future Commends Alabama for Passing The Communications Modernization and Lifeline Improvement Act

Posted on: Wednesday, 13 May 2009, 12:59 CDT

Bill will increase broadband access and encourage economic investment in the state

MONTGOMERY, Ala., May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Citizens for a Digital Future, a national coalition that supports public policies that encourage broad deployment, transparency and robust enhancement of broadband and digital technologies, commends Alabama's legislative leaders and Governor for passing The Communications Modernization and Lifeline Improvement Act.

John Watson, Chairman of Citizens for a Digital Future, released the following statement:

"The Communications Modernization and Lifeline Improvement Act is important legislation that will help to increase access to broadband and other digital technologies for citizens across the state. Citizens for a Digital Future commends Alabama for passing this bill, which is a prime example of how a state can work towards greater access to today's technologies and encourage development in the technology of tomorrow.

"This bill also promotes economic development within the state. 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. This type of increased competition for customers is exhibited by the recent AT&T acquisition of wireless spectrum from Verizon Wireless, which will allow AT&T to offer wireless services in more areas, primarily rural areas, in 18 states, including Alabama. This type of industry investment in the state will help to bring digital technologies to more consumers, particularly in rural areas. The Communications Modernization and Lifeline Improvement Act creates a regulatory environment that encourages this kind of investment and competition.

"Our organization commends Alabama on passing this forward-looking legislation and hopes that other states will also see the opportunities and benefits of updating their outdated telecommunications laws to allow for economic growth and increased access to broadband."

For more information, please visit www.CitizensForaDigitalFuture.org.

About Citizens for a Digital Future

Citizens for a Digital Future is a coalition of non-profit organizations and industry members that recognizes that adoption of and access to broadband technology -- and its enhancements -- has become increasingly critical to the environment, education, economic development and health care, among others. Its members support and advance public policies that encourage transparency, broad deployment and robust enhancement of broadband and digital technologies.

SOURCE Citizens for a Digital Future

Source: PR Newswire

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