The Internet Innovation Alliance has a goal, one that will be one step closer to being fulfilled if the AT&T and T-Mobile merger really happens.

The IIA is a broad coalition of businesses and non-profits that are working together to expand access to broadband Internet to urban and rural communities all across Alabama and America.

The coalition launched in 2004.

“Although broadband is a national and state issue, it really affects our local area,” said Louise Crow of the IIA.  “Without strong broadband, our economy, job growth and education opportunities are limited.”

Crow said almost one-third of rural residents don’t have access to reliable high speed internet.  If the proposed merger is approved, the expectation is that 55 million more Americans would have access to high-speed wireless broadband service.

“Since AT&T announced its plans to acquire T-Mobile, we now view that as the fastest way to bring high speed, broadband internet access to more Americans that are currently missing out in the digital divide, including the Madison County area,” Crow said.