Broadband Mapping Will Help Identify Underserved Areas, Verizon Executive Says

WASHINGTON - Legislation to institute a national inventory of broadband Internet access services available to consumers was approved today by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sponsored by Rep. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass, who chairs the telecommunications subcommittee, the so-called broadband "mapping" bill is intended to help policymakers and the private sector find the remaining areas where additional broadband Internet access is needed.  

"Getting broadband to as many people as possible, no matter where they live, is an important policy goal," said Peter Davidson, Verizon senior vice president for federal government relations.  "This legislation includes provisions that will help identify those communities and parts of the country unserved or underserved by broadband.

"Verizon applauds Chairmen Dingell and Markey, ranking members Barton and Upton, and other members of the committee for putting together a much-improved, bipartisan broadband mapping bill that focuses on something important to the American people and our economy," said Davidson.  "We look forward to continuing to work with both the House and the Senate on this issue that's crucial to America's future."

Connected Nation, a national nonprofit organization that promotes public-private partnerships to increase the availability of access services in rural areas, already uses mapping in various state-level projects.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 63.7 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of nearly 238,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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