As ADE launched it’s 3rd Digital Empowerment Summit in Los Angeles, California on January 15, 2010, comments were filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the matter of Preserving the Open Internet and Broadband Industry Practices. 

Affordable access for all Americans is ADE’s mission and it rings true in its comments to the FCC with emphasis on low-income citizens and communities of color.  ADE educates consumers about the benefits of broadband and e-related services while encouraging lawmakers to consider the adverse impact legislation will have in unserved and underserved communities.

“The benefits of broadband Internet access and its ability to open the doors of economic, political, and social opportunity to every citizen, particularly those who are suffering from the effects of past discrimination, have been well documented, and we need not repeat them.” The FCC must take this into account as it looks to place regulations on Internet Service Providers (ISPs).  Before such regulations are adopted, ADE urges the FCC to implement a “broadband impact” analysis that would provide a comprehensive look at the true impact net neutrality rules may have on low-income citizens and communities of color.  Our primary concern is that the wholesale implementation of net neutrality will drive up broadband prices to those who can least afford it, as well as currently struggling to gain access to it.  This concern is echoed by community leaders of ADE’s nine Digital Empowerment Councils spanning the U.S. who briefed the Congressional Tri-Caucus in February 2009 with similar findings.  It’s also worth noting that PEWs most recent survey on Broadband shows that only 35% of persons earning less than $20,000 a year, benefit from broadband at home vs. 88% of households earning more than $100,000.

Broadband technology is a vital tool that can empower America’s communities, specifically low income citizens and communities of color in the areas of education, healthcare, economic development, civic participation and public safety. It is imperative that the FCC take into consideration affordability and access as they look at the issue of net neutrality.

To view ADE's comments filed, click on the link under "related document" below.

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