“The future of the US economy depends on broadband wireless.”

By Brad

That’s a quote from FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, speaking at a recent event on mobile broadband, net neutrality, and spectrum in Washington DC. Mobile Marketing Watch has more on the event:

While the event centered on discussions on what can be done in relation to net neutrality across any channel, the general consensus was that it’s up to the FCC to induce the change necessary.  ”The biggest remaining barrier to mobile technology is high-speed data access from anywhere,” said Computech president Larry Fitzpatrick who spoke on the panel.  ”While the private sector has handled computing power and storage, it can’t solve data access on its own since it involves a public resource (spectrum) and the FCC has to be part of the solution.”

Positive Effects of a Combined AT&T and T-Mobile

By IIA

On March 20, AT&T proposed to combine resources with T-Mobile USA. As an organization that has for years promoted efforts to bring broadband to all Americans, including the underserved, communities of color, and citizens in rural areas, we see benefits for both consumers and the economy with this joining of forces.

The agreement appears likely to significantly boost efforts to achieve universal broadband access with AT&T’s pledge to make next generation wireless Internet available to 95% of all Americans. While the majority of consumers can already choose between five or more wireless telephony providers, consumers in small, rural communities often have fewer options for broadband Internet connectivity. The combined companies would be able to elevate competition in a way that is particularly beneficial for underserved and rural areas.

there's more...

Broadband Fact of the Week

By IIA

Internet employment is up 13 percent since the recession began.

— “The Coming Communications Boom?” Michael Mandel, Progressive Policy Institute, April 2010.

Learn more facts in our ever-expanding Broadband Fact Book.

Ninety Million

By Brad

That’s how much Egypt’s economy lost during the country’s recent clampdown on the Internet and cellular phones, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. That’s $18 million each day.

Broadband Biz: Uvisor.com

By Brad

We’re launching a new initiative here at IIA to highlight entrepreneurs whose businesses depend on the power of broadband. Our first installment: Uvisor.com.

Bryan J. Jakovcic and Jamie Sawicki launched Uvisor.com, a free full-service career advisor website, at DEMO Fall 2010.

Where did it all begin? Upon graduating from college two years ago, Co-Founders Jakovcic and Sawicki began talking to hiring managers, recruiters and job seekers. What they found was that the job/career-search market lacked sophisticated web-based tools for job seekers. As such, they’ve been building Uvisor.com with the help of organizational psychologists, human resource professionals and recruiters.

“The job market has evolved alongside the Internet, which is now the primary medium for finding a job,” says Jakovcic. “Uvisor has harnessed this technology to provide an interactive, digital approach to the job search. Operationally, broadband allows us to work on a daily basis. Strategically, it brings Uvisor to the world.”

The site uses a patent-pending algorithm to provide the best possible career matches (out of a database of 700,000 jobs) for users based on personality, skills, education, hobbies and experience. It also automatically builds custom resumes, helps users assess relocation and quickly research a company before their interview. Evidence of broadband’s crucial role in the job search in this day and age: users can easily apply to numerous positions as the site migrates data from their Uvisor profile to online forms, simplifying the application process and facilitating the chances of landing a job.

“High-speed Internet is a game changer for product and service industries. People want things accomplished as quickly as possible with the least amount of effort; that is what broadband has brought to the table,” says Sawicki. “This technology plays a crucial role in the success of Uvisor.com. Our goals are 1) to allow our users to save time in the job search with fast and efficient web-based tools, and 2) to locate the position that best suits them, based on an algorithm that gets smarter and smarter as our user base grows – both of which hinge on broadband.”

Visitors to Uvisor.com can conduct a standard job search or sign up for a free MyUvisor account for complete career assistance, which guides them through five key steps in the job search process.

For more information on Uvisor, check out their blog and visit their website.

The Effect of Regulations

By Brad

After our Broadband Symposium “A View From Wall Street” earlier this week, NextGenWeb talked with panelist Rebecca Arbogast of Stifel Nicolaus about regulations and how they impact jobs and the economy. Here’s the video:

MSNBC on Cost Savings of Broadband

By Brad

Our Top 10 Savings From Broadband report continues to make the rounds. Here’s a segment from MSNBC:

Net Neutrality & Wireless: A Baffling Move

By Bruce Mehlman

Late last week, Kim Hart of Politico reported that the FCC is going to make a move on net neutrality. According to “several sources with knowledge of the situation,” the FCC’s regulations would be very similar to the framework outlined in the failed net neutrality bill put together by Rep. Henry Waxman but with one, very important, difference: the regulations would also extend to wireless broadband.

If Politico’s story was correct (and today’s reports that Chairman Genachowski called phone and cable officials into a special meeting today suggest that it is), then it would be a disastrous move for the FCC to make. Not just for efforts to close the digital divide (underserved communities are embracing wireless broadband at a greater clip), but also for investment and job creation — two things America desperately needs right now.

If there’s one industry that has benefited by a light regulatory touch it’s the wireless industry. And while wireless broadband is currently experiencing explosive growth, it’s still a relatively young technology. Extending investment-chilling net neutrality regulations to it is a step in the wrong direction.

The latest round of the great net neutrality debate has been going on for a year now. Agreement from both sides is close. For the FCC to now make a move toward wireless — especially after voters made clear on Election Day that job creation should be the #1 priority — is, frankly, baffling.

“We Save a Ton”

By Brad

From the comments thread of the delightfully named Mashup Mom (“Money Saving Strategies for moms… and everyone else!”), which posted about our Top 10 broadband savings report released yesterday:

Kristy says:

Just the access to blogs like yours to find the best grocery deals has cut our food/grocery budget in half. We save a ton by keeping up with family and friends through e-mail, skype, and facebook rather than through post mail and long distance telephone calls. Access to research materials and online banking save me countless hours that I can put into other money saving ventures. I don’t think it’s $8,000 a year, but broadband internet access is definitely a good value for our household.

Chrystal says:

Planning my shopping trip with research online is a gas saver. No more running around town searching for the best deals.

Access to Broadband Internet: Top 10 Areas of Savings

By IIA

“Beyond the dollars that can be saved with an Internet connection, being online brings unquantifiable advantages like access to education, job opportunities, social networking and on-demand information. Congress and the FCC should focus their efforts on policies that encourage investment in more robust networks and policies that expand digital literacy to those offline, rather than aggressive regulatory detours that discourage investment.” — IIA Co-Chair Bruce Mehlman

ONE. HOUSING. POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $974/YR (7.67%)

Source: Search based study on apartments in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas and Jacksonville
Methodology: Sampled 50 online postings in the above markets to determine average cost savings relative to local apartment rent.  Applied 7.67% savings factor to the average annual expenditure on shelter ($12,697) based on the Department of Labor annual study on consumer expenditures.
  Site examples: www.padmapper.com, www.apartments.com, www.craigslist.org

TWO. AUTOMOTIVE. POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $438 (A ONETIME SAVINGS OF 1.5%)

Source: Cost analysis based on average new car purchase price in 2010
Methodology: Applied 1.5% savings factor from JMR study to the average 2010 vehicle purchase cost net outlay ($29,217) based on a report by the Detroit Free Press. usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-07-12-carprices12_ST_N.htm

THREE. TRAVEL. POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $1,532/YR (20%)

Source: Amadeus Case Study amadeus.com/us/documents/aco/us/BearingPoint.pdf
Methodology: Applied 20% savings factor from Amadeus study to the average amount spent on travel ($7,658) based on the Department of Labor annual study on consumer expenditures.

FOUR. FOOD. POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $965/YR (25.70%)

Source: Search based study on basic basket of groceries based on top selling categories (Carbonated beverages, Milk, Fresh bread, Beer, Salty snacks, Natural cheese, Frozen dinners/entrees, Cold cereal, Wine, Cigarettes)
Methodology: Created a standard basket of monthly groceries to establish a baseline retail cost.  Conducted a series of online searches against the baseline to identify cost savings exclusive to the internet.  Potential savings based on cost reductions at the aggregate basket level.  Applied 25.7% savings factor to the average annual expenditure on food at home ($3,753) based on the Department of Labor annual study on consumer expenditures.
    Site example: www.couponmom.com, www.peapod.com

FIVE. NON PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. $76/YR (24.20%)

Source: Search based study on common over the counter medicines (Pain Relievers, Antacids, Cold Remedies, Allergy Relief, Natural Remedies)
Methodology: Created a standard basket of the best selling non prescription drugs to establish a baseline retail cost.  Conducted a series of online searches against the baseline to identify cost savings exclusive to the internet.  Potential savings based on cost reductions at the aggregate basket level.  Applied 24.2% savings factor to the average annual expenditure on non prescription drugs, which was derived as 10% of the average annual expenditure on healthcare ($3,126) from the Department of Labor annual study on consumer expenditures.
Site example: www.drugstore.com, www.amazon.com

SIX. GASOLINE. POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $95/YR (4.76%)

Source: Search based study on lowest gasoline prices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas and Jacksonville
Methodology:  Researched average gas prices within a 10-mile radius of three zip codes for each of the above cities, and found the lowest advertised prices in each, for a savings of 4.76% off of average gasoline expenditure ($1,986) based on the Department of Labor annual study on consumer expenditures.
Site example: www.gasbuddy.com

SEVEN. ENTERTAINMENT. POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $2,747/YR (51.72%)

Source: Search based study on restaurant dining, sporting/concert tickets and leisure activities in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas and Jacksonville
Methodology: Applied savings factor of 57.6% on dining outside of the home ($2,619) based on the Department of Labor annual study on consumer expenditures.  Applied savings factor of 46% on entertainment such as concerts, events and leisure activities to the entertainment budget ($2,693) based on the Department of Labor annual study on consumer expenditures.
Site example: www.groupon.com, www.livingsocial.com, www.bargainseatsonline.com

EIGHT. APPAREL. POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $640/YR (37.12%)

Source: Search based study on basic clothing combinations for men and women
Methodology:  Created a set of standard baskets of apparel for a man (khakis/jeans and shirts) and a woman (skirts/jeans and tops) to establish a baseline retail cost in each of five price categories.  Conducted a series of online searches against the baseline to identify cost savings exclusive to the internet.  Applied 37.12% savings factor to the average annual expenditure on apparel ($1,725) based on the Department of Labor annual study on consumer expenditures.
    Site example: www.overstock.com, www.ideeli.com

NINE. NEWSPAPERS. POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $193/YR (100%)

Source: Search based study reviewing major newspapers in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas and Jacksonville
Methodology:  Calculated the standard annual rate for a daily delivery (including Sunday) subscription for the top three papers in each of the above cities.  Potential savings factor based on average annual daily subscription rates.
Site example: www.nytimes.com, www.chicagotribune.com, www.dallasnews.com 

TEN. BILL PAY. POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $47/YR (100%)

Source: Cost analysis based on average consumer’s postage for six bills per month, plus one pay-by-phone charge.
Methodology: Created a to a standard multiple of monthly bills that are traditionally paid via postage (Rent/Mortgage, Gas, Electric, Water, Cable/Phone/Internet, Mobile). Applied average cost per US postal stamp ($0.44) for each monthly bill, plus the savings of one average pay-by-phone charge ($15).
Site examples: www.mycheckfree.com, www.chase.com, www.bankofamerica.com

Replying to the FCC

By IIA

Our response to the FCC’s call for reply comments in its Open Internet Public Notice on “Two Under-Developed Issues in the Open Internet Proceeding” has now been posted at the FCC website.

Statements from our Co-Chairs Bruce Mehlman and David Sutphen:

With Election Day behind us, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stands at a pivotal crossroads. If it provides certainty to network operators and predictability to investors, it can meaningfully advance availability and adoption of high-speed Internet across the nation. If it rejects the counsel of bipartisan majorities in Congress and unilaterally pursues a more aggressive regulatory agenda, it can expect years of diminished investment, delayed re-employment in the telecom sector, battles in court and partisan squabbling that disserves our nation.

To realize 100 percent broadband availability at speeds that enable the next-generation of innovative applications, the FCC estimates the need for $350 billion in additional investment. Given the huge federal budget deficit and national debt, those investments are not going to come from the government. We need private investors to see the business case for continually upgrading existing networks and deploying competing infrastructure platforms.

— Bruce Mehlman

At a time when the nation is looking for common ground and common sense solutions for creating new jobs and fostering an economic recovery, the last thing we need is new regulations that threaten one of the few bright spots for growth: the broadband economy. Now is the time to turn the page on net neutrality and focus attention on the issues like universal service fund reform, digital literacy programs, and innovation policy, all of which will help to ensure that every American is benefiting from the broadband economy.

— David Sutphen

The iPad is Somewhat Popular

By Brad

Via Read Write Web:

New data from Strategy Analytics out today clearly shows Apple’s dominant position as the leader among tablet PCs - during Q3 2010, the company’s iPad has captured 95% of the global market share for tablets. That leaves everyone else - Windows, Linux, Android, etc. - with only a 5% share, combined.

It’s doubtful that Apple can keep up this dominance, especially with new competition being launched every week. But for now all you can say is…wow.

Required Reading

By Brad

In a must-read op-ed for the Washington Post, Karen Kerrigan, president and chief executive of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship warns that net neutrality regulations would “smother a growing sector”:

Net neutrality rules would give the FCC new powers to micromanage the operations and pricing and service levels of the privately owned and financed broadband networks that are the physical heart of the Internet. This is a strategy for chasing away the billions of dollars that broadband network operators (principally the telecom and cable companies) plan to invest in broadband infrastructure and new technology.

Thankfully, a bipartisan majority in Congress believes it’s a terrible idea to let three unelected FCC officials decide the fate of America’s broadband networks and jeopardize jobs and economic recovery in the process. With the national unemployment rate at 9.6 percent and an economy that remains fragile, let’s hope Congress reengages in this debate to keep net neutrality regulations as far from small business as possible.

Read the whole thing, as they say.

The Net Neutrality “Zombie”

By Bruce Mehlman

In an op-ed for Politico, Douglas Holtz-Eakin and Sam Batkins from the American Action Forum, warn that pursuing net neutrality could have a drastic effect on the one thing America desperately needs right now — jobs:

Many now predict that “net neutrality” — a Washington power grab that seeks to dictate how private telecoms prioritize use of limited bandwidth — is walking the Green Mile. As Congress scurried to finish its legislative business before returning to the campaign trail, the compromise net neutrality legislation, crafted by House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman Henry Waxman D-Calif.), died in committee.

But its death gives the Federal Communications Commission another chance to regulate the bandwidth decisions of private companies.

This could spell death to the thousands of jobs created each year by the billions of dollars private telecoms spend on infrastructure. Imposing net neutrality could reduce broadband expansion and cost the U.S. economy upwards of 300,000 jobs, according to a new Phoenix Center study. Just a 10 percent decline in IT infrastructure investment, Brett Swanson of Entropy Economics found, could eliminate 502,000 jobs and $62 billion in gross domestic product growth. This is a price that the U.S. economy cannot afford.

Read the whole thing.

Broadband Fact of the Week

By IIA

Stimulus funds created more than 640,000 new jobs that would not have existed but for the recovery bill.

— Milano, Jessica, “Where Jobs Come From: The Role of Innovation, Investment, and Infrastructure in Economic and Job Growth,” February 2010.

Learn more facts in our ever-expanding Broadband Fact Book.

Unintended Consequences

By Brad

At App-Rising, Geoff Daily looks at how recent government health care regulations could actually have a detrimental effect on expanding telehealth:

Recently I met Jamey Hopper, president of Dexcomm, a local call center service in Lafayette that answers calls for doctors, funeral homes, and others.

While what they do isn’t all that bandwidth intensive given that they do voice and not video, what was interesting is that until recently they were growing their workforce more at home than at the office.

The economics for them were simple: why pay for office space when employees can do just as well working from their own homes?

And the overarching impact of this trend on society is profound as imagine what happens when workers can spend more time at home and less in transit, and as a result we have fewer cars filling up roads and polluting the air.

It seems like such a natural, no-brainer thing to be doing for a business like Dexcomm’s, and yet they’ve recently had to reverse course and start pulling that at-home workforce back into the office.

Why? Because of the recently passed healthcare reform.

In that reform are new rules aimed at protecting the privacy of patient health information. While well-intentioned, their result is that in order to keep workers out of the office Dexcomm will have to spend a significant amount of money upgrading the security of their systems for gathering information from their at-home workforce.

The problem is that this expense is significant enough that it makes more economic sense to bring them back into the office than upgrade these systems.

So because of government regulation, Dexcomm is having to stop its transition into a 21st century virtual business and go back to having to maintain a large office.

Read the whole thing.

Wireless Market is Healthy, Growing

By Brad

Speaking of increases, data from wireless trade group CTIA shows that cell phone growth in the U.S. is up 5 percent over last year. As the Washington Post’s Cecilia Kang reports:

In June 2010, users sent 1.8 trillion SMS, or text messages, up 33 percent from the previous year. Multimedia texts (photos and videos) also rose sharply, up 187 percent to 56.3 billion messages.

U.S. consumers are increasingly using smart phones and wireless-enabled gadgets like the iPod. Those devices were up 50 percent to 61.2 million. Wireless carriers said data usage was up 49.8 percent to 161.5 billion megabytes.

Broadband Fact of the Week

By IIA

As of April 2010, the Internet industry had boosted employment by 3.1 percent over a six month period.

— Mandel, Michael, “The Coming Communications Boom?” Progressive Policy Institute, April 2010.

Learn more facts in our ever-expanding Broadband Fact Book.

A “Foolhardy” Effort

By Brad

In a smart letter to the editor to Politico, economists Ev Erlich, former undersecretary of commerce for the Clinton administration, and Jeff Eisenach, Managing Director of Navigant Economics, argue against the FCC imposing net neutrality:

In comments we filed with the FCC this summer, we noted that the Federal Trade Commission has been an active watchdog for years. It, rather than the FCC, should be taking the lead in this fight. But even if one believes the FCC should continue, their authority should come directly from Congress—rather than from unelected regulatory commissioners.

Applying invasive regulatory oversight to a dynamic market like the Internet is foolhardy. Consumers are getting what they want on the Internet, the wired and wireless broadband worlds are converging. Entrepreneurial efforts to provide advanced services through prioritization should be applauded, not banned.

Giving Wireless Broadband a Boost

By Brad

Yesterday, the FCC took a big step toward boosting the power of wireless broadband. Amy Schatz at the Wall Street Journal reports:

The Federal Communications Commission Thursday approved a plan to open vacant TV channels for wireless broadband, a win for high-technology companies that have long sought to use the airwaves for new services.

The FCC’s board unanimously reaffirmed a 2008 decision to open up the broadcast airwaves and clarified some technical details about how companies will be able to use them. Google Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Dell Inc. are among the companies that have pushed the FCC to open up the TV airwaves, and they have already been testing systems for using them.

FCC Chairman Julius Gena chowski said the move was important and would offer “unique opportunities for innovators and entrepreneurs.”

At Bloomberg, Todd Shields breaks down what this move could mean for the economy:

White-space applications may generate $3.9 billion to $7.3 billion in economic value each year, according to a September 2009 study funded by Microsoft and written by Richard Thanki, a London-based analyst with Perspective Associates.