We heard about some new projects in the last hour of the FCC presentation today. It was jam packed but I’ve tried at least to provide links for more info and I’ve captured the questions asked below.
Knight Foundation President and CEO Alberto Ibargüen talked about the Knight/FCC Apps for Inclusion Challenge. It’s a contest to create easier online access to government services. They’ll “be offering cash prizes to the software developers who can invent the best technological solutions to create easier online access to government services and information.” (OK this was really announced earlier – but I just had time to look up the details.)
Commissioner Clyburn talked about a Digital Literacy Corp as part of the National Policy. I’m not sure if or how they will be building on to the existing Net Literacy program. Or if they will be building on existing Americorps programs that have focused on technology, such as Minnesota’s Community Technology Empowerment Project.
Rep Doris Matsui talked about her Broadband Affordability Act, a proposal to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a Lifeline Assistance Program for universal broadband adoption, and for other purposes.
Questions
Q: Difference between digital divide and digital inclusion?
A: Inclusion tries to bring everyone into the solution.
Q: Do we miss anything with broadband focusing only on infrastructure?
A: We approach it from an ecosystem – not just infrastructure. We focus on adoption and deployment.
Q: How will FCC balance different rules for different media?
A:We are trying to remove distinctions between types of providers by making regulations technology neutral.
Q: Will there be time for comments on the National BB Plan?
A: The FCC only recommends. There will be time for comments.
Q: Will the FCC be involved with making hardware more affordable?
A: Training is a big part of making hardware affordable although we are also looking at projects similar to lifeline projects. This may be a place for partnerships.
Q: What is the plan for regional and local capacity building?
A: We recognize that this is not a federally imposed plan. There are many different approaches that can be executed successfully. At the state level there is often a gap. We don’t have capacity to manage Statewide change; broadband data improvement act had some money to try to build state capacity.
Q: What about security?
A: We are getting more detailed. Many stakeholders are working on it. It is a great concern.
Q: What can you say to rural?
A: We have a plan and we are very aware of rural gap. We want to make sure all US homes have broadband. It’s not easy and will take time. We are trying to shift resources to help reach rural areas. The Department of Ag will be working on this too.
Q: What are plans for other demographics?
A: Tomorrow we’ll talk about disability issues. We recognize that efforts need to be local. We’ll need to target groups most in need.
Q: How can you teach benefits of broadband?
A: That’s not a big focus – as we learned we didn’t need to focus after the recent survey. We need to do what Knight has supported – create better applications for non-adopters.
Q: What is your level of detail in terms of deployment?
A: Real mapping will be done in conjunction with NTIA.
Q: What about competition?
A: We are working on how to improve competition. So we’re working on transparency – especially in terms of consumer options and performance. And we’ve focused on spectrum. We don’t’ know how the market will develop – but we know we need more spectrum. We need a healthy ecosystem of competition.
