Economists have long recognized that technological innovation and enhanced communication increase productivity and reduce friction in economic activity. And never before has technology’s impact on economic growth been as evident as it is today.
At IPI, we focus on technology and communications policy not only because it’s critical to economic growth, but also because government’s inherent tendency to regulate prospectively poses an active threat to the economic gains and lifestyle enhancements made possible by technological innovation.
The communications and technology industries are among the country’s most competitive and the biggest capital investors in the U.S. economy, and are thus prime engines of economic growth and job creation. It is critical that public policy encourages continued innovation and investment in the tech sector, and that we don’t limit the innovation upside with counterproductive taxes and regulations.
Wyoming U.S. Sen. Enzi: Online sales tax isn't new tax
IPI's Bartlett Cleland says the Marketplace Fairness Act would compel businesses to comply with every single tax code in the nation if they want to sell their goods everywhere. And noncompliance could mean a costly audit from the states where sellers are sending their products.
The Financial Facts of Broadband
An understanding of basic finance and math seem to be beyond the grasp of some broadband industry critics.
Taxman Eyeing Cable Services
Nearly a half-dozen tax proposals affecting Internet operations are expected to appear on the congressional agenda, with many of them affecting broadband and cable services.
Government Wrecking the Health IT Market
Congress and the White House pursued getting more people health insurance when they should have been removing barriers to better health.
Don't Fall for Fool's Gold
The lodestone should be indicating danger—expansive taxation authority because of radically expansive government undermining our Union.
Government's Push for Electronic Health Records Hinders Adoption
The administration’s effort to push electronic health records may have postponed their adoption for years.
Coalition Letter 0pposing the Marketplace Fairness Act
The Call for Government to Make Cable a Captive Audience
The history of the cable industry is one of innovation, risk taking and investment. The proper reward for all the risk is best left to the marketplace.
Letter to Tennessee Legislature Regarding Pole Attachment Fees
IPI urges the Tennessee legislature to reject a proposal that would radically increase the pole attachment fee charged to broadband providers because it would raise the cost and slow the spread of broadband in Tennessee.
Pole Attachment Fee Bills a Tax on Broadband Providers, Will Cost TN $20 Million
Tennessee legislators should reject a proposal that would radically increase the "pole attachment fee" for private broadband providers because it would raise the costs and thus slow the spread of broadband competition in the state.