Focus funding on new tech for communications

The Daily Herald story, “Will home phones exist after landlines don’t?” (Oct. 25), does a great job of explaining that the future of communications is already here, as more than 75 percent of Illinois households already get their home phone service over the Internet or from a wireless carrier.

It’s remarkable to see how much the people of Illinois already rely on the Internet or wireless communications. That’s especially true in business, where broadband can connect employers with global economic opportunities to create local jobs and boost the suburban economy.

Instead of the old technology that just makes phone calls, today consumers want new Internet technology that allows them to do that and so much more — watch TV, connect to the Internet, monitor their health, connect to online classes, stream movies, or video chat with friends and family across the country or around the world. Businesses want new Internet technology to manage inventory and fleets, interact with customers and market their products and services everywhere.

The days of the state requiring companies to invest scarce dollars in outdated, limited technologies should end. Consumers and businesses already embrace modern Internet-based communications. It’s time our state communications law did too.

Kaili Harding

President

Schaumburg Business Association

Schaumburg