August 7, 2007
IMPACTING PUBLIC POLICY JOINS THE INTERNET INNOVATION ALLIANCE Broad-based Coalition Committed to Preparing for the Internet Exaflood
WASHINGTON D.C. – July 24, 2007 – Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), a national bi-partisan group supporting women in business, announced today that it has joined the Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA) in an effort to prepare for the coming exaflood. The internet exaflood is the explosive growth of video applications generating a deluge of data that, unless properly managed, could strain applications key to broadband adoption. The IIA, a coalition of non-profit organizations and businesses committed to universal broadband access, is dedicated to developing practical solutions to enable the exaflood of content to easily traverse the internet’s infrastructure.“Telecommunications are rapidly changing the way we communicate at work, at home and in our communities,” said WIPP President and CEO Barbara Kasoff. “As the engines that drive our economy, small businesses are at the leading edge of the broadband evolution, creating an increasingly competitive and innovative marketplace. We are proud to join with organizations, such as IIA, that are integral to aiding the technological growth of entrepreneurs and the communities where they live.” The infrastructure needed to meet this growing demand is substantial. The internet, which is comprised of thousands of privately-owned networks stitched together, requires ongoing investment and improvement so it can continue to grow and run smoothly. The private companies responsible for maintaining the Internet’s backbone constantly upgrade the computers, routers, fiber optics and software to ensure that data gets where it needs to go as quickly as possible. “This new era of technology and innovation promises great advances for our economy and our nation. However, the exponential explosion in digital content must be matched with smarter networks that will more efficiently get it to our homes, business and schools,” said Laura Spining, executive director of the IIA. “The future will require constant investment and persistent innovation.”
How to Prepare for the Coming Exaflood:
- Promote investment in content, upgrades of infrastructure and innovation in Internet technologies and applications
- Protect consumers through market competition to ensure lower prices and broadband access for all communities
- Maximize competition among service providers and technologies, through policies such as video franchise reform
- Limit government control through permanent extension of the Internet tax moratorium and by reducing exorbitant taxation of service providers
WIPP joins the IIA’s diverse group of member organizations including, Alcatel-Lucent, Corning, AT&T, Nortel, NorthStar Communications Group, CSI Communications Systems, Inc., Information Technology Association of America, National Spinal Cord Injury Association and the National Education Association, among many other non-profit organizations and businesses.
Women Impacting Public Policy
Women Impacting Public Policy is a national bi-partisan group comprising over half a million members. The non-profit organization is The Voice for Women in Business in Our Nation’s Capital for 46 national Women in Business groups. WIPP strengthens its members’ sphere of influence in the legislative process, creates economic opportunities for members and builds alliances with other small business organizations. Visit www.wipp.org.
The Internet Innovation Alliance
Larry Irving and Bruce Mehlman founded the IIA in 2004. Irving is president and CEO of Irving Information Group, a consulting firm providing strategic advice and assistance to international telecommunications and technology companies. Mehlman is co-founder of Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti Inc., a bipartisan public affairs consulting firm based in Washington, D.C.For more information on the Internet Innovation Alliance visit: internetinnovation.org