Those accustomed to connecting to the Internet through a broadband connection understand that high speed Internet access is not simply a luxurious technology upgrade from dial-up, but rather a necessary tool in productively utilizing the Internet to access information, communicate, or conduct business. Individuals who do not have access to high speed Internet may find themselves classified at the disadvantaged end of the digital divide, unable to participate in the ever-growing digital community. The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) recently urged the FCC (Federal communications Commission) to consider the needs of underserved communities. In comments to the FCC regarding a Notice of Proposed Rule Making, ADE suggested that the FCC gather and analyze relevant data, much like what was done with the National Broadband Plan, before enacting new net neutrality principles.
“We want broadband to spread more rapidly to Americans, especially people of color, who have not yet been empowered with the benefits of 21st century communications technology,” ADE Chairman Julius H. Hollis said in a press release. “We are concerned that some well-intentioned new net neutrality policies, currently under consideration would impede the adoption of broadband by many citizens who would benefit from Internet connectivity.”
In an effort to provide equal access to broadband Internet service and to establish policies to ensure that all people in the United States have access to Broadband the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 included the Broadband Technologies Program, which gave the FCC the task of creating a National Broadband Plan.
According to Broadband.gov, the FCC’s National Broadband Plan website, the plan includes initiatives to stimulate economic growth, spur job creation, and increase capabilities in education, health care, and homeland security. The plan proposes that every community has at least one public location with Internet speeds of 1 gig or higher and every American have access to affordable broadband. It also includes a goal of universal digital literacy, making sure all students are digitally literate by the time of high school graduation. It also calls for every American to be able to track his energy consumption using broadband.
“We want broadband to spread more rapidly to Americans, especially people of color, who have not yet been empowered with the benefits of 21st century communications technology,” ADE Chairman Julius H. Hollis said in a press release. “We are concerned that some well-intentioned new net neutrality policies, currently under consideration would impede the adoption of broadband by many citizens who would benefit from Internet connectivity.”
In an effort to provide equal access to broadband Internet service and to establish policies to ensure that all people in the United States have access to Broadband the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 included the Broadband Technologies Program, which gave the FCC the task of creating a National Broadband Plan.
According to Broadband.gov, the FCC’s National Broadband Plan website, the plan includes initiatives to stimulate economic growth, spur job creation, and increase capabilities in education, health care, and homeland security. The plan proposes that every community has at least one public location with Internet speeds of 1 gig or higher and every American have access to affordable broadband. It also includes a goal of universal digital literacy, making sure all students are digitally literate by the time of high school graduation. It also calls for every American to be able to track his energy consumption using broadband.
