It is interesting to see what other countries do with broadband – in terms of how they deploy, adopt and prioritize. So I was very interested in learn what the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) had to say in their recent Broadband Manifesto. The ITU focuses on technology and broadband as a tool for democracy and a tool to bring about equity, especially to emerging nations. They recognize the power of broadband to boost education, healthcare and economic development. But they also highlight broadband as a tool to help raise the voices of the under-heard populations. They value access to technology as power to use technology to tell o story; they value free and open channels for communication.

Access to open communication is something we don’t think about here in the US – but their Manifesto can speak to our needs here too…

We, the members of the Broadband Commission for Digital Development, present this manifesto stating our position and shared belief in the benefits of broadband for sustainable development to world leaders, top policy-makers, industry leaders, users and consumers.

Broadband technologies are fundamentally transforming the way we live. Broadband infrastructure, applications and services offer important opportunities for boosting economic growth, enhancing communications, improving energy efficiency, safeguarding the planet and improving people’s lives.

In building our interlinked information society, it is vital that no one be excluded, and that all voices be heard. Overcoming the digital divide makes sense not only on the basis of principles of fairness and justice; connecting the world makes sound commercial sense.

The improved communication and greater understanding facilitated by access to ICTs can help us overcome the challenges inherent in building the global digital economy. The report of the Broadband Commission, Transformative Solutions for 2015 and Beyond, examines the key role broadband can play in confronting today’s challenges, and building a sound and sustainable future, which following generations can enjoy.

Connectivity is necessary, but not sufficient. In addition to the roll-out and deployment of broadband networks and technologies, it is also essential to develop fully multilingual content and new services to ensure people can express themselves freely and develop a presence online, with full respect for human rights.

We, the undersigned, believe that the vital role of broadband needs to be acknowledged at the core of any post-2015 sustainable development framework, to ensure that all countries – developed and developing countries alike – are empowered to participate in the global digital economy.