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Confronting the Broadband Adoption Challenge – How do We Fix it?
How do you boost broadband adoption? That was the subject of a webinar hosted by Intel and other industry leaders to stress the importance of tackling the key barriers to broadband adoption. Connected Nation Chief Executive Officer Brian Mefford served as one of the panelists in the discussion with other broadband researchers and technology leaders.
Mefford was joined by Michael Santorelli, director of the Advanced Communications Law & Policy Institute; Aaron Smith from the Pew Internet & American Life Project; Eric Greenman, manager of Service Provider Marketing at Intel Americas; and Bill Wallace from DigitalBridge Communications. The webinar was hosted by w2i.com.
There was a common theme among the findings and experiences of the group, most notably: populations, particularly those that are older, have less education, or lower income, continue to lag behind in broadband adoption.
However, all parties agreed that simply providing affordable broadband service to an area or particular group of people does not mean that adoption rates will instantly rise.
Coupling affordable high-speed Internet with digital literacy programs, like computer classes, and community involvement and technology planning programs have the most significant impact on broadband adoption rates, they said.
At Connected Nation, the efforts to address the issues of broadband adoption are two-fold, Mefford said. The first is to identify the reasons that people do not use broadband. The second is to address those issues at a community level.
“It’s not just about identifying the common barriers at a macro level,” he said. “We must drill down further to the local level and understand particular communities’ nuances. By doing so, we are able to bring forward and execute the most relevant and high-impact solutions to broadband adoption barriers.”
Already, Connected Nation has designed or started such community-specific programs. Connected Nation, along with Intel and other technology companies, have proposed a program called Every Citizen Online (SM), which will work with local communities to provide affordable broadband service, along with digital literacy training and a personal computer.
In addition, Connected Nation’s work through its state-based initiative, Connected Tennessee, has seen the fruits of such local-level collaboration.
In Tennessee, work to provide expanded access to and use of broadband has seen significant success. Since Connected Tennessee’s 2007 inception, more than 250,000 Tennesseans have gained access to broadband.
In addition, Connected Tennessee has donated more than 2,000 computers to children, families, and communities through its Computers 4 Kids program. One such donation, to the Saint John Baptist Church After-School Program in Stanton, stands out.
Click here to view a video about the impact of the C4K donation and the importance of community involvement in combating broadband adoption barriers.
Overall, the key to widespread adoption and use of high-speed Internet is a group effort — from community leaders to local business to technology providers.
To learn more about the work of Connected Nation and its partners, visit www.connectednation.org. Labels: Brian Mefford, Connected Tennessee, every citizen online, Intel
VIDEO: Connected Nation and ESRI Talk with NextGenWeb about BroadbandStat
Phillip Brown, Director of Government Affairs & Advocacy at Connected Nation, and Randy Frantz of ESRI, spoke with NextGenWeb on Tuesday, prior to the Internet Caucus Advisory Committee’s 6th Annual State of the Net Conference in Washington, D.C.
Check out NextGenWeb for more.Labels: BroadbandStat, ESRI, ICAC, Philip Brown, SOTN
Connected Nation Previews Interactive Broadband Mapping Tool at Technology Policy Exhibition in Washington, D.C.
Andy Blair from George Washington University asks Connected Tennessee’s Michael Ramage for more detail about interactive broadband coverage maps while Sabrina Matteson, a representative from the American Farm Bureau Federation, observes the presentation.
Connected Nation, in conjunction with ESRI, a market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, showcased its jointly developed new interactive mapping tool for viewing, analyzing, and validating broadband data at a technology policy exhibition on Capitol Hill.
At Tuesday’s technology policy kickoff reception, more than 100 people had the chance to view Connected Nation and ESRI’s BroadbandStat demonstration. Michael Ramage, Executive Director of Connected Tennessee, continued showcasing the technology well after the official end of the event.
 Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) welcomes attendees to the Congressional Internet Caucus Kickoff Reception and Technology Policy Exhibition.
Jon Gant, a professor at the University of Illinois at Champaign, stopped by to view the BroadbandStat demonstration on Tuesday.
Gant, who teaches GIS classes and has used GIS data from more than 20 years, was impressed by the easy, user-friendly interface of BroadbandStat.
“Look at how smooth the graphics transition from query to query,” he said, pointing to the screen of BroadbandStat. “And, the small things—like the menus—they are a lot better this way.”
“This [GIS data] is really complicated stuff,” he said Tuesday after viewing BroadbandStat. “And, how you all use and represent this complicated data with this kind of interface is really interesting,” he said.
Jim Geringer, director of Policy and Public Sector Strategies at ESRI and former governor of Wyoming, was on hand on Tuesday, prior to his participation in Wednesday’s panel discussion, “Transforming Government Through Technology: The Real, The Possible, The Surprising.”
“The common underpinning of all activities—economic, social or health—is people connecting with other people and that activity doesn’t happen without broadband,” he said. “You will never understand how much information is in the world until you can connect with broadband. Broadband mapping—or showing who is connecting and who is not—is just the first step.” The Technology Policy Exhibition is a free, educational event that briefs lawmakers and staff, reporters, and representatives from government agencies and private sector organizations on cutting-edge Internet technologies. It is the largest technology exhibition on Capitol Hill. Yesterday’s event served as the official kickoff of today’s 6th Annual State of the Net Conference, hosted by ICAC at the Hyatt Regency, Capitol Hill.
MMTC Hosts its Inaugural Broadband and Social Justice Summit
 Summit moderator Tyrone Brown solicits more details from Jane Cabarrus, President of the Northhampton County Branch of the NAACP in Weirwood, Virginia, an area currently without a broadband infrastructure in place.
Click here to view more photos
Federal administrators, corporate leaders, civil rights veterans, and influential policy bloggers brought their diverse viewpoints to the roundtable discussions at the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) Broadband and Social Justice Summit at Howard University in Washington, D.C. on January 22.
Former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Tyrone Brown guided the dialogue as the participants brainstormed the barriers to broadband participation for minority communities and the civil rights implications of digital disengagement.
“Could you envision e-mailing or Skypeing yourself?” The question of perceived usefulness was posed by FCC Broadband Initiative Director Blair Levin as he discussed the impact of broadband on jobs, healthcare, and politics. “Unless the communities you care about are online, broadband loses its relevancy,” Levin said to accentuate a social infrastructure factor impeding adoption — that the Internet is a “team sport” with a strong networking component.
In examining broadband imperatives, the concept of shifting the viewpoint to that of the non-adopter came under examination.
FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn called it “The Challenge of the Last Half Mile — the distance between each individual who has yet to integrate broadband into their lives and the physical infrastructure lying right outside of their doors.”
Beyond the adoption issue, Commissioner Clyburn posed two questions for consideration:
- How do we ensure that all communities take advantage of this emerging economic force?
- How can we ensure that the barriers remain low in order to prevent another communications model that has people of color once again on the outside looking in?
Summit participants had the opportunity to express opinions, concerns, and policy suggestions in three vigorous roundtable discussions on topics including Broadband Literacy, Broadcasting and Journalism in the Broadband World, and Closing the Digital Divide.
Larry Strickling, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), informed the audience that NTIA has been directed by Congress to focus on adoption issues in order to: - Get more people to use broadband.
- Find ways to make broadband more available and more affordable.
- Create more computer training programs.
Secretary Strickling provided insight on the selection priorities during the next round of Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) funding, including: - Focusing on projects in communities where the before and after effects can be clearly measured.
- Public computer center projects, particularly where people can receive computer training.
- Comprehensive infrastructure projects including creating high-speed facilities and connecting community anchors.
- Promoting projects that involve socially disadvantaged businesses.
Strickling also invited all to attend the series of workshops around the country jointly organized by the NTIA and the Department of Agriculture to provide application processing assistance to this target audience.
MMTC, a Connected Nation partner, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving equal opportunity and civil rights in the mass media and telecommunications industries. MMTC is generally recognized as the nation's leading advocate for minority advancement in communications.
Raquel Noriega, Director of Policy Development at Connected Nation, addressed the group about one of Connected Nation’s community initiatives called Every Citizen Online (SM).
Every Citizen Online proposes a public-private partnership that brings together broadband service providers, personal computer equipment manufacturers, and companies such as Intel to deliver a program that targets low-income segments of the population with an affordable personal computer, discounted monthly broadband service and the appropriate level of follow on education and support.
Intel, Dell, Lenovo, Fujitsu, Velocity Micro, and ZT Systems are among the private sector partners joining in the initiative.
Every Citizen Online aims to help vulnerable populations overcome top barriers to adoption, including broadband awareness and training, computer ownership, and subscription affordability.
“The focus of the summit was very much consistent with our goals and mission and we applaud MMTC for creating this important public forum to encourage more people to use broadband-enabled applications,” Noriega said.
Related information:
Blog Post: Broadband and Social Justice Summit Underway in Washington, D.C. Labels: Minority Media and Telecommunications Council
BroadbandStat: Get a Sneak Peek on Jan. 26 in Washington, D.C.
Download the Invitation and Flyer Here
 Screen shot of BroadbandStat in Tennessee, developed by Connected Nation in conjunction with ESRI, a market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software.
On Tuesday, January 26, technology leaders, legislators and the general public in Washington, D.C. will be given a sneak peek at a new cutting-edge hands-on tool for finding real-time information on high-speed Internet availability. Daryl Phillips, Executive Director of the Hickman County Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD), had the opportunity to see the demonstration in Tennessee.
Here’s his reaction: “Five years ago, we had local business owners that couldn't decide where to locate within the county because they didn't have access to this kind of detailed information,” Phillips said. “Now, business and industry can use this tool for relocation decisions, home buyers can use this while shopping for a home and government and ECD can use it for planning purposes. BroadbandStat gives Tennessee an advantage over other states."
Connected Nation, along with ESRI, will be showcasing BroadbandStat at the kickoff technology policy reception for the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee’s 6th Annual State of the Net Conference.
BroadbandStat was developed by Connected Nation in conjunction with ESRI, the world market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software.
BroadbandStat is a new interactive mapping platform that is a multi-functional, user-friendly way for local leaders, policymakers, consumers and technology providers to devise a plan for the expansion and adoption of broadband.
BroadbandStat is unique because it allows a user to build and evaluate broadband expansion scenarios using a wealth of data, including education and population demographics, current broadband speeds and availability and research about the barriers to adoption. The tool also provides an instant feedback mechanism for consumers to validate broadband data electronically or via phone.
This technology will soon be implemented in 12 different states and one U.S. territory as part of Connected Nation’s federal stimulus funded broadband mapping and planning programs. These mapping activities are supported by State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program funds that are made available through the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for improving broadband accessibility across the nation. We invite you to stop by and view the demonstration on January 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (EST) at the Hart Senate Office Building, Room 902. Labels: BroadbandStat, ICAC
Broadband and Social Justice Summit Underway in Washington, D.C.
Today, the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) began its inaugural Broadband and Social Justice Summit at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The summit continues through January 22.
The event agenda features a series of presentations and roundtable discussions with key policymakers, including Blair Levin, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Executive Director, Broadband Initiative; Mignon Clyburn, FCC Commissioner; and Larry Strickling, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
MMTC, a Connected Nation partner, invites students, policy advocates, educators and members of the public to join in and witness this unique dialogue. For the agenda and registration, click here.
MMTC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving equal opportunity and civil rights in the mass media and telecommunications industries. MMTC is generally recognized as the nation's leading advocate for minority advancement in communications.Labels: Minority Media and Telecommunications Council
Shot in the Arm, but Not the Cure
“President Obama appears to have struck the right balance with the initial announcements on broadband infrastructure awards. The administration’s focus on connecting community anchor institutions such as libraries, schools, and hospitals is a big step forward in bridging America’s digital divide. And, the awards for last-mile projects in rural areas are clearly key to closing the broadband gaps for unserved residents and businesses.
We are eager to learn more about the full list of projects funded in the first round, particularly within the sustainable adoption program. While the supply-side projects are obviously important for broadband stimulus efforts, effective demand-side programs are critical to accompany these network deployments if we hope to see any sustainable positive economic effects.
Connected Nation research in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio shows that the largest barrier to broadband adoption is a lack of awareness about broadband’s benefits. Across these three states, 44 percent of those without a home broadband connection say ‘I don’t need broadband.’ Among vulnerable populations such as low-income residents, minorities, and people with disabilities, this awareness challenge is even greater.
While these middle-mile projects to connect community anchor institutions should be a big shot in the arm for broadband expansion in those areas, if there is not enough prospective demand for broadband service, particularly in the rural markets, then the wholesaler will be hard-pressed to get any internet service provider (ISP) takers to provide last mile service on the network. Even then, if take-rates remain low, the last mile services will likely prove to be unsustainable.
So, in addition to the hope of spurring demand indirectly through community anchor institutions, it is critical that effective digital literacy/awareness and computer ownership programs are funded and established to ensure the sustainability of these type of infrastructure projects as well as to ensure that vulnerable populations are not marginalized as a result of not having a computer or the digital skills to use broadband.“
--From Laura Taylor, Connected Nation’s Chief Policy Officer, in response to the federal government’s awarding of $183 million in federal broadband stimulus funds through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Technology Opportunity Program and the Rural Utilities Service’s Broadband Infrastructure program.
Want to know more? Click here to view Connected Nation’s recommendations to NTIA about these projects.Labels: BIP, BTOP, NTIA
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