A diverse group of South Carolina organizations and leaders have formed a local chapter of the national Internet Innovation Alliance

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) -- Citing broadband's ability to spur economic growth and improve the quality of living among many communities, a diverse group of South Carolina organizations and leaders have formed a local chapter of the national Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA) coalition to promote broadband expansion throughout the state. IIA is a national coalition of business and non-profit organizations committed to helping our country achieve universal broadband. 

"Access to technology is the new measure of progress in developing communities.  Economies are fueled by broadband and the opportunities it supports in business, education, and healthcare," said Bernie Mazyck, President of the SC Association of Community Development Corporations and co-chair of South Carolina IIA.

The South Carolina chapter has more than 986 grassroots members who have signed IIA's petition in support of broadband expansion and will spend the coming months educating state leaders and consumers about the importance of mobile broadband and its many benefits. Coalition members include the Columbia Housing Authority, the Columbia Urban League, Innovate Anderson, the city of Lake City, the SC Association of Community Development Corporation, the SC Association of Taxpayers, SC Farm Bureau, SisterCare, Upstate SC Alliance, and the Palmetto Agribusiness Council.

"High-speed Internet has become as much a part of growth and development as roads and electricity. It is essential. Our local businesses compete in the global marketplace through broadband connections and the more access they have, the more competitive they can be," said South Carolina IIA co-chair Hal Johnson, President of Upstate SC Alliance.

This new local coalition is dedicated to promoting policies that enable broadband expansion. IIA supports reforming the Universal Service Fund to include broadband, more efficient use of spectrum, and the proposed merger of AT&T and T-Mobile, a move estimated to provide broadband access to 55 million more Americans.

To learn more about the IIA visit, www.internetinnovation.org. Sign the online petition promoting broadband access and adoption athttp://internetinnovation.org/activities/broadband-petition.