The Importance of Broadband Affordability and Adoption

WASHINGTON– At the invitation of U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) today briefed members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus about its continued mission to secure broadband access for citizens in underserved communities across the nation. Majority Whip Clyburn hosted the briefing in his Capitol Hill chambers where Chairman Julius H. Hollis advised the gathering on the organization’s two-year grassroots research on expanded broadband deployment.

“It should go without saying that in the shadow of a struggling U.S. economy, those consumers at the lower end of the pay scale should not be forced out of the digital revolution because of limited access to affordable high-speed broadband in their communities,” Majority Whip James Clyburn said. “The Alliance’s work in our nation’s underserved communities leads to improvement in our education, healthcare, economic and public safety sectors.”

The Alliance’s 375+ member Digital Empowerment Councils (DECs) are part of The Alliance for Digital Equality’s nationwide initiative that advocates for increased broadband access and adoption, especially in urban and underserved communities. Digital Empowerment Councils carefully examined the impact of broadband access on local communities – with research findings demonstrating how expanded broadband Internet access enhances opportunities for all Americans. There are digital empowerment councils in Houston, Detroit, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and Charleston, S.C.

“Communities need access to broadband in order to ensure their full participation in the ‘digital revolution’ that is transforming the nation’s economic, social, political, and cultural landscapes,” said Alliance Chairman Hollis. “The Alliance will lead the charge to bring fair-minded policies into play, ensuring that broadband remains affordable so that the newest online users have continued access and that the last ones on aren’t the first ones off.”

“The key to expanding opportunities for all communities is through digital empowerment,” Vice President for Latin Affairs for The Coca-Cola Company Rudy Beserra said. “ADE shapes national policy in hopes of leveling the access points and encouraging broadband adoption, especially in minority communities.”

Last year the ADE forged its first in a series of strategic partnerships by adding the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union to its Corporate Advisory Council.
“CWA, through our Speed Matters campaign, has pressed for the buildout of true high speed broadband networks in the U.S., as the necessary economic engine of the 21st century. In rural areas, urban communities that are underserved and everywhere in between, our goal must be to ensure that all Americans have access to the opportunity and promise of the Internet Age,” said CWA President Larry Cohen. “We’re pleased to partner with the Alliance on this critical public policy issue.”

The Alliance will continue to bring together elected officials, consumers and the business community to educate minority communities about the importance, as well as, benefits of broadband usage. This national effort will continue in cities across the country to ensure that all Americans are empowered to join the digital revolution.

The Alliance’s findings and recommendations are available online at www.alliancefordigitalequality.org.