President Obama to discuss National Wireless Initiative in Marquette Feb. 10

WASHINGTON -- On Thursday, Feb. 10, President Obama will travel to Marquette, Michigan, where local businesses have been able to grow as a result of broadband access, with particular benefit in exporting goods to new markets around the world.

In his State of the Union Address, the President called for a National Wireless Initiative to help businesses extend the next generation of wireless coverage to 98 percent of the population. The next generation wireless network in Marquette is an effective demonstration of how the President's proposal to open up airwaves will spark new innovation, put people back to work, grow the economy and help America win the future.

The President will deliver remarks on the National Wireless Initiative at Northern Michigan University. This event will be open to pre-credentialed members of the media. Public attendance is by invitation only.

Prior to delivering remarks, the President will see a demonstration of how the University's WiMAX network has enabled distance learning for university and community students and will meet local business owners who have used broadband access to grow their businesses. The WiMAX demonstration will have pooled press coverage.

In his State of the Union address, President Obama outlined a plan for America to out-build the competition to win the future. This plan for a 21st century infrastructure is about rebuilding our roads, rails and runways; but it is also about attracting new businesses to our shores and having the resources to ship American goods, products and ideas anywhere in the world. In order to do that, America must have the most reliable ways to move people, goods and information -- from roads and airports to high-speed rail and high-speed internet.