Broadband has the potential to be the “great equalizer” in our society (to quote FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski) – but unequal adoption and use of broadband can institutionalize economic and social inequality. If nearly two-thirds of low-income minority households do not have broadband at home, what does that mean for their educational and employment prospects five and ten years from now?
Broadband Revolution
According to CTIA, every dollar spent on wireless Internet generates $7-$10 for US GDP. Access to more wireless spectrum will drive economic growth: CTIA Letter.
In the last few years the discussion over Net Neutrality has been quite heated. Some have claimed the internet must be “free and open” and cannot be burdened with regulation. Others worry the system is broken and the internet as we know it is on the precipice of failure, and must be saved with a stringent regulatory approach. Until a few days ago, it appeared the FCC had bought into the latter notion. For the last year they’ve sought to “reclassify” the internet and apply antiquated regulations that were designed for rotary telephone service in the 1930s, all in an effort to gain regulatory authority – a move that generated significant opposition from both sides of the aisle in Congress. READ MORE
Great news for Washington. Broadband brings more jobs, improves public safety, healthcare and education. According to Connected Nation improved broadband represents over $3 billion in economic impacts for Washington, $1.6 billion for Oregon and $565 million for Idaho. Better and faster internet is a win-win for the Northwest.
The FCC’s track record is pretty clear. From objectionable song lyrics, to shock radio programs, what the FCC decides they don’t like they simply regulate and drive it out. Now some want them to regulate the internet. Seriously?
How does government regulation of the Internet modeled after telephone laws from 1930’s expedite or improve access? What is the problem that is being fixed by the FCC’s involvement in the Internet?
Check out this great editorial from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, investment is vital to get broadband to ALLcommunities:
In this new information age as we all become more and more technology aware we also become more and more exposed to cyber-threats. Policy on Cybersecurity is vital; who has the right approach?
Click here to read more
The benefits of broadband access are clear, but how do we bridge the divide and expand rural broadband access? Check out the FCC’s solutions, Click here
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a non-partisan research and educational institute that promotes public policies to advance technological innovation and productivity, has recently produced an extensive study on US Broadband Policy. They emphasize there is no “silver bullet” to solving this crisis and that no one model may work for every situation. This study recommends we employ a combination of tax credits, incentives and government funding to encourage wider expansion of broadband to both rural and urban areas and increase access and adoption rates.
This is a critical issue and becoming every more important in this global economy.
Take a look at the ITIF study here: Information Technolgy and Innovation Foundation study on US Broadband Policy
