2007-03-14 21:58:53 -

WASHINGTON, March 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) announced enthusiastic support for the steps taken by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin to reform the way that cable and broadband is deployed in the United States. For more than thirty years, monopolies have flourished as a result of restrictive and cumbersome polices that require tens of thousands of local agreements to be negotiated in order for interested cable providers to begin operations. These stumbling blocks have made it unappealing, and nearly impossible, for

these companies to compete on an even playing field with the incumbent firms in a given market. This scenario restricts business, eliminates consumer choice and reduces the likelihood of true market pricing.

With that in mind, the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) filed with the FCC last February in support of the steps they took to overhaul this outdated system. The organization believes that open competition is essential and applauded the steps the commission has taken to provide incentives to offer affordable and accessible broadband to every American.

The National Black Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activity within the United States and via interaction with the Black Diaspora. The NBCC reaches 100,000 Black-owned businesses. There are one million Black-owned businesses in the United States. Black businesses account for over $100 billion in annual sales. African Americans have over $800 billion in expendable income each year according to the US Bureau of Census.

The NBCC commends the FCC for the leadership it has taken on this important issue that will benefit businesses as well as consumers of cable and broadband services.

Contact: Harry Alford, +1-202-466-6888

Source: National Black Chamber of Commerce