Over the weekend, there was yet another article Net Neutrality, indicating that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is putting together a net neutrality proposal and plans to take action on the issue as early as next month, which has those in the community and the industry concerned as
this highly contentious issue returns to the forefront. In light of this, I think it is important that we continue to talk about net neutrality, to make sure that everyone really understands what is at stake.
Whispered Net Neutrality Proposals is the Wrong Track to Jobs
The Internet has proven to be a truly transforming technology – catapulting America from its pre-digital years into a nation of innovation and opportunity driven by the ability to connect its citizens to school, work, commerce and communication from anywhere, at anytime, thanks to broadband. We have come a long way in the last ten years of the digital revolution, but we are not even close to realizing the full potential that this amazing technology holds – particularly for low-income and minority Americans who have traditionally fallen behind.
While we invented the Internet – and have come a long way in incorporating broadband technologies to make our country better and stronger – we have somehow managed to fall behind globally. Meanwhile, other nations have gone full speed ahead.
The Obama Administration recognizes this and has made it a priority to take necessary steps to do better
by setting the goal of achieving 100 percent broadband adoption in the U.S. The FCC laid out a National Broadband Plan with the goal of achieving more affordable access to broadband
, and the current regulatory environment will support this build out
. However, it will cost about $350 billion.
If we are going to raise these funds – and we must – it will take private investment in coordination with federal funding. We need to ensure sound Internet policy that includes incentives for the private sector to invest in broadband infrastructure. Unfortunately, studies have shown that unnecessary regulation of the Internet will decrease private investment. Clearly this is a problem. So, the net neutrality debate raises serious cause for concern.
Currently, 96 percent of Americans have access to broadband through schools, libraries, hospitals, community centers, homes, and even mobile devices. Two thirds of Americans have adopted the technology. If we can do better than this – and we must – we will be on the right track nationally and globally. 100 percent connectivity is the way to get there.
With the help of digital literacy programs and other targeted programs throughout the country, I am confident that we can work together to get this number to 100 percent and get 100 percent of Americans connected – at work, at home AND via mobile devices. Minorities are currently leading the country with their use of wireless devices to access the Internet, my hope is that trend will prove to be a gateway to bigger and better things
for minority communities that have much to gain from the digital age.
At the end of the day, the equation is pretty simple. We need 100 percent connectivity in order to achieve our full potential. We need private investment to get the $350 billion build out to get there. Unnecessary net neutrality
regulations that discourage private investment is a move that we can’t afford.