The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) is a strong proponent of affordable broadband access for unserved and underserved communities across this county.  We believe Digital Empowerment that comes from access to broadband, can help level the playing field for communities of color and allow them to access the world's knowledge and resources.

Policy makers in Washington are also focused on the positive effects of broadband and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is hard at work crafting a National Broadband Plan.  To assist the FCC and Congress in their efforts, and to raise specific awareness about the plight of low income, minority communities, ADE recently presented a position paper during their Broadband Summit held on the campus of the University of Southern California, in Los Angeles,  titled,  "Empowered or Disenfranchised During The Digital Age? An Epic Moment for Communities of Color."  The position paper addresses three critical areas: 

• The crisis facing communities of color during the digital age

• The empowering effect of broadband on improving quality of life in America

• The social economic threats imposed on Americans that are left behind

We have to ensure that a National Broadband Plan truly meets the needs of unserved and underserved communities.  Embedded in our position paper are the following recommendations to the FCC.

1. The implementation of a Marshall Plan to encourage public-private partnerships in the build-out of America's broadband infrastructures.
2. Expand federal investment in Digital Literacy initiatives that will teach basic computing skills and ways to make broadband an integral part of their daily lives. 
3. Encourage the FCC and the U.S. Congress to ensure affordable broadband through enhanced competition that will facilitate new technologies and new ways of delivering broadband to low income communities.

To view the position paper, click on the link under "related documents" below.

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