Though much maligned (“lies, damned lies, and statistics,” anybody?), the truth is that quantitative data can indeed play a significant role in better understanding the magnitude of a particular problem or the potential gains to be realized from solving it.
Case in point: recently, Senators Amy Klobuchar [D-MN] and Shelley Moore Capito [R-WV] introduced S. 645, the “Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act of 2017.” The bill was co-sponsored by Senators Angus King [I-ME], Heidi Heitkamp [D-ND], John Boozman [R-AR], Al Franken [D-MN], and Dan Sullivan [R-AK].
The bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct an assessment and analysis of the effects of broadband deployment and adoption on the nation’s economy, collaborating with government agency heads, representatives of business (to include rural and urban ISPs and telcos), state, local and tribal government agencies, and consumer and community organizations. Within a year, the Secretary is then to deliver to Congress a report detailing—and quantifying—the findings.