FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mar. 22, 2021
CONTACT: Emerson George
850-320-3803
JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE RELEASES NEW REPORT WITH NATIONAL TAXPAYERS UNION FOUNDATION ON REMOTE SALES TAX COLLECTION POLICY
TALLAHASSEE – A new report by The James Madison Institute entitled “Bridging the Final Gaps: Policy Paths for Broadband Deployment in Florida” outlines the principles and policies that have made Florida a leader in enabling broadband expansion and examines how the state should continue to build on its past and current success to expand reliable, affordable broadband access for all Floridians.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 96 percent of Floridians have access to high-speed broadband. Most Floridians enjoy not just access, but competition from broadband service providers to win their business, often with two or three competitors in urban areas including wireless, cable, and satellite.
At the same time, 800,000 Floridians remain separated from broadband, a challenge made more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. By understanding the investment and infrastructure needs as well as the regulatory barriers of the industry, Florida’s policymakers can build on the successes, avoid the pitfalls, and ensure reliable access for everyone in the Sunshine State.
“Floridians have benefitted greatly from the trend of companies directing increased investment to our state. This is not an accident. Florida’s leaders have consistently worked to cultivate an environment that welcomes broadband infrastructure investment. We are uniquely situated today, perhaps more than ever, to build on those successes and make Florida a national leader in market-based connectivity.” – Bartlett Cleland, Adjunct Scholar, The James Madison Institute and Executive Director, Innovation Economy Alliance
“Florida has established a firm foundation for its continued success in broadband access. We can reach the remaining underserved communities by focusing on free market principles and keeping consumer benefit and the goal of greater access firmly in mind. Moving forward, Florida should focus on the impediments to create a faster and farther-reaching broadband system through simple changes to the tax code and infrastructure access. This will go a very long way to delivering broadband access to rural communities while lowering costs and increasing access for all Floridians.” – Andrea O’Sullivan, Director, Center for Technology and Innovation, The James Madison Institute
To read “Bridging the Final Gaps: Policy Paths for Broadband Deployment in Florida,” click here.
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