The Necessity of Universal Broadband Access

June 24th, 2010

A recent article in the News & Observer explored the adoption gap for low-income individuals and focused on the efforts of One Economy, a non-profit that works to disseminate broadband to low-income communities and offer training on how to maximize its use.    Through One Economy’s program, a public housing community in downtown Raleigh, Chavis Heights, now features a vital amenity for staying connected: broadband.  Chavis Heights, according to the article, was “turned into a free Wi-Fi hotspot, which offers a lifeline to resources that are no longer optional in today’s world such as the job market, online courses, health care, and finance.”  One Economy has helped connect the inhabitants of Chavis Heights, the author of the article observes, along with roughly 375,000 people across the country living in low-income subsidized housing communities.
To read the full article, please click here.

More Jobs for Floridians

June 21st, 2010

With unemployment numbers stagnating at record lows, the public and policymakers alike are searching for solutions to the national joblessness dilemma.  The Sarasota Herald-Tribune ran a guest column recently that three local Sarasota community members penned discussing ways in which Florida can achieve economic and job growth.  The piece explores possibilities for improvements in both the employment and the economic sectors, emphasizing  the importance of “far-sighted innovation and productivity-enhancing measures,” without which, “Americans will increasingly be priced out of competition in the world economy.”

CDF’s Senior Advisor, Ray O’Connell, submitted a letter to the editor in response to the guest column.  O’Connell  offers a crucial solution to the unemployment and economy equation.  Specifically, he suggests that by updating Florida’s telecom laws to reflect modern day technologies and encourage private investment  in broadband infrastructure, the Florida economy will flourish, “benefiting everyone”.

To read O’Connell’s suggestions for job growth in Florida, please click here.

Investing in Connections

June 17th, 2010

A broadband Internet connection just doesn’t mean what it used to.  Just fifteen years ago, the Internet did not exist for most people.  Today, the Internet World Stats suggest that there has been a 145.8% increase in Internet use—in just the last decade. 

Out of the ubiquity of the Internet, life as (most of us) know it has changed significantly.  An article that ran in the News-Star this week discussed the importance of broadband connections for maintaining sustainable and thriving communities .   “Broadband,” the piece mentions, 

“creates solutions for communities that may not have access to health care, qualified teachers and  educational  programs,  small business growth and development opportunities, and can link local law enforcement agencies to national information grids.”

As the article states, broadband is a great connector for many facets of life, which is why it is important to foster environments that attract investment in broadband which will ensure that all consumers are able to enjoy the many benefits of broadband.  To read the full piece, please click here.

Governor Perdue Signs HB 168

June 7th, 2010

Fifteen years ago, Governor Sonny Perdue laid the groundwork for Georgia to remain a leader in broadband and telecommunications reform.  Under Governor Perdue’s guidance and leadership, the telecommunications market and broadband in Georgia has continued to grow and flourish. 

On April 19, the Georgia General Assembly passed HB 168, the Telecom Jobs and Investment Act with strong support, and last week, Governor Perdue signed the act into law.  Citizens for a Digital Future commends both the Governor and the state legislature for taking great strides in modernizing their telecommunications market.   

HB 168 updates Georgia telecom laws to reflect the constantly changing digital technologies and recruits vital private investment in broadband infrastructure.  Increased investment means more jobs and opportunities for Georgians to return to the workplace. 

Citizens for a Digital Future would like to applaud the Georgia General Assembly and Governor Perdue for passing this legislation and leading Georgia into the future.