With the upcoming inauguration of United States' 44th President, USTelecom association has released a Broadband Now video highlighting challenges facing the country, and how broadband can make a significant difference. From revitalizing the economy to tackling health care, education and global climate change, broadband can play a vital role, says the association which represents broadband service providers, manufacturers and suppliers providing advanced applications and entertainment.

Key points in the report include:

• Broadband and IT investment have driven 1/3 of our nation's productivity growth in recent years, and could add $200 billion annually to the GDP. The broadband/IT sector also created half of all new jobs in the U.S. last year.
• Thanks to broadband-enabled advances that improve patient care and reduce skyrocketing costs, broadband could save America's seniors $800 billion in health care costs over the next 25 years.
• Telecommuting is on the rise, and not only is broadband making these opportunities possible, this workplace shift can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion tons over 10 years — the equivalent to 11% of annual U.S. oil imports.

Related topics: Access Providers, Broadband, Policy & Regulation, Telecom, White Space, Wireless