Chairman Julius Hollis Highlights Importance of Broadband Access and

Availability in Minority Communities

ATLANTA, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Julius H. Hollis, Chairman of The Alliance for Digital Equality(TM) (ADE), today participated in a panel discussion at the Federal Communications Commission's Broadband Plan Field Hearing in Charleston, South Carolina where Charleston native Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, as well as Commissioner Michael Copps, represented the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The hearing was the second in a series scheduled this fall by the Commission to promote an open dialogue between the FCC and the public on the development of a National Broadband Plan -- which the federal agency has been directed to submit to Congress by February 17, 2010.

Speaking on a panel titled "Significance, Benefits, & Impact of Broadband Adoption," Chairman Hollis highlighted the myriad of benefits that broadband can offer, and expressed ADE's concern that some well-intentioned policies currently being discussed might hinder the adoption of broadband by many citizens who would benefit significantly from Internet connectivity, namely those in underserved and un-served communities that have not yet realized the full benefit of the broadband revolution.

Stating that the Internet is no longer a luxury, Hollis urged the Commission to remain vigilant against forces, including misguided legislation and regulation, that may unintentionally make broadband less affordable, accessible and force the last to join the broadband revolution to become the first that are forced to drop off.

Hollis said he was encouraged that the digital divergence among the races and among income groups can be eliminated much sooner, but stressed that there was much work to be done. Referencing a recent Pew survey, he discussed the gap in home broadband which has re-widened over the past two years in a weakened economy where almost two-thirds of white Americans surveyed are now reporting broadband connections at home while only 46 percent of African Americans enjoy similar connectivity. Hollis stated, "As the FCC works towards the goal of universal broadband deployment and adoption, it is critical that the Commission consider ways to bridge the Digital Divide."

"The fact is that data indicates families at the lower end of the income scale have a tenuous hold on the broadband-way-of-life. It is vitally important that broadband is not pushed beyond the reach of these Americans as a result of misguided legislation," Hollis added. "We applaud the Commission's efforts to continue a dialogue throughout the development of the National Broadband Plan. For those individuals with access to broadband and other cutting-edge technologies, unprecedented opportunity is available. That being said, in developing its strategy, the Commission should review the possible impact of new laws and regulations that might unintentionally raise barriers to adoption. The Commission should take advantage of this opportunity to bring broadband to all Americans, once and for all."

About The Alliance for Digital Equality

The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization that serves to facilitate and ensure equal access to technology in underserved and un-served communities. The Alliance also serves as a bridge between policymakers and minority individuals in order to help the public understand how legislative and regulatory policies regarding new technologies can impact and empower their daily lives. For more information on The Alliance for Digital Equality, please visit www.alliancefordigitalequality.org.

SOURCE Alliance for Digital Equality

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