Next Century Cities, a bipartisan membership organization of 144 mayors and city officials focused on broadband has joined as a founding partner of the United States Senate Broadband Caucus. The Senate Broadband Caucus, which launched today, will provide a key forum for Senators to develop federal strategies.
The bipartisan Broadband Caucus was launched by five co-chairs: US Senators King (I-ME), Capito (R-WV), Klobuchar (D-MN), Boozman (R-AR), and Heitkamp (D-ND). According to a statement from Senator Capito, “for every $5 billion invested in broadband infrastructure, 250,000 jobs are created and with every percentage point increase in new broadband distribution, employment expands by 300,000 jobs.”
The move comes as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has expanded efforts to support broadband locally and net neutrality. According to Next Century Cities, the caucus has assured them that they will work with the group to find solutions that make sense.
In addition to Next Century Cities, other founding partners of the Senate Broadband Caucus include Engine, NTCA-the Rural Broadband Association, CCA (Competitive Carriers Association), CTIA (The Wireless Association), INCOMPAS, NCTA (National Cable and Telecommunications Association), and USTelecom.
