Kerry Outlines Broadband Ideas

Speaking in San Jose, California, Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry outlined plans to spur the adoption of broadband and encourage innovation. Citing the same statistic that America has slipped from 4th to 10th in adoption of broadband, Kerry called for greater investments in research and development. Kerry said his plan would "eliminate capital gains taxes for long-term investments in small businesses, and reform or eliminate regulations that impede America's high-tech competitiveness." He would ensure universal broadband for first responders by the end of 2006 and would provide broad-based increases in government-funded research at universities. Kerry said he would pay for these programs by accelerating the transition to digital television and thereby raising $30 billion at public auction to fund science and technology innovation. He would also expand the spectrum that is available for unlicensed wireless broadband.