ADVISORY Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS: March 4, 2010 FCC: Jen Howard, 202-418-0506 SBA: Hayley K. Matz, 202-205-6948 FCC CHAIRMAN GENACHOWSKI AND SBA ADMINISTRATOR MILLS HIGHLIGHT BROADBAND BENEFITS FOR SMALL BUSINESS Small businesses challenged with access, usage, and education around broadband Washington, D.C. -- Today, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and Small Business Administrator Karen Mills outlined working recommendations in the National Broadband Plan that will promote job creation and economic opportunity by providing small businesses with more choices, training, and support for broadband. “Broadband can have a dramatic effect on small businesses -- a key engine for new job creation in our economy,” said Chairman Genachowski in a speech at the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development. “Arming these businesses with cutting-edge technology and innovative tools doesn’t just help local businesses reach local customers -- it brings them a world-wide market for their goods and services.” Recognizing the importance of broadband for ensuring America’s economic development and leadership, Congress and the President tasked the FCC with developing a National Broadband Plan to connect the country to affordable, world-class, high-speed Internet. “Connecting more small businesses to high-speed Internet will allow them to find new markets, grow and create jobs,” said Administrator Mills. “We must continue to look for opportunities to provide small businesses access to the best possible resources and technical support they need to maximize the potential broadband offers.” Although most businesses have broadband access today, there are still noticeable gaps in application adoption, rural business access, and competitive offerings for businesses. Moreover, small businesses are challenged with putting broadband to the proper use and maximizing its potential. Working recommendations in the National Broadband Plan include: · Review competition rules to ensure broadband choice for small businesses · Collaborate with SBA to expand resources and opportunities for small businesses with regards to IT and broadband · Pilot new entrepreneurial mentoring programs along with the Economic Development Administration · Create a public-private partnership for digital literacy training to support small businesses in the country’s neediest areas The FCC will deliver the National Broadband Plan to Congress by March 17, 2010. Read Chairman Genachowski’s full remarks: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-296675A1.pdf --FCC-- For more information about the National Broadband Plan, go to www.broadband.gov