As lawmakers consider giving U.S. broadband deployment a boost in the economic stimulus package, the Internet Innovation Alliance has unveiled a new online resource that features hundreds of facts and statistics from more than 60 studies published in the past two years. Separated into areas of interest, the site allows for a range of searches on topics like broadband adoption, the economy, education, energy, network infrastructure, telework, and other fields. The bottom line, according to IIA co-chair Bruce Mehlman: "Informed policymakers make the best policy."

Some sample statistics from the IIA fact book:
▪ E-commerce generates 36 percent less conventional air pollutants than conventional shopping. - American Consumer Institute 2007
▪ A 7 percent increase in broadband adoption could result in $92 billion through 2.4 million jobs created or saved annually. - Connected Nation 2008
▪ Broadband-based remote monitoring for all chronically ill patients could reduce hospital, outpatient, and drug expenses by 30 percent. - Robert E. Litan

"Broadband can positively impact everything from employment to the environment to healthcare. It will be a key driver in the revival of the economy," Mehlman said in a press release. "The IIA Web site is an important educational tool, but we also hope it's an interactive one, allowing researchers and experts to add additional facts to a growing body of knowledge."