Policy Models

Free Press: A Roadmap for Stimulus Success

Julie Schwartz — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:11:07 -0800

Virginia Community Broadband Tool-kit

Julie Schwartz — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:26:43 -0800

Opportunities for Federal Grants, Loans and Other Support for Broadband Projects

Julie Schwartz — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:19:05 -0800

Guide to Broadband Provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

PSN — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:26:41 -0800

The recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009appropriates an unprecedented amount of money to initiatives aimed atincreasing access and adoption of affordable broadband technology. Thisrecognition of broadband’s rapidly expanding role in all aspects of ourlives, underscores why it’s imperative for states to thinkstrategically about how to integrate broadband into their long-termgoals. For example, broadband can be used to increase governmenttransparency, improve access to healthcare, improve energy management,assist in workforce redevelopment and increase educationalopportunities. By effectively leveraging broadband, a state can createefficiencies, implement cost saving programs, increase transparency,and provide better services and increased opportunities to itscitizens.

The stimulus plan allocates $7.2 billion to promote high-speedInternet programs. The majority of the funding will be used to increasebroadband access in rural, unserved, and underserved areas.Additionally, funding is provided to support community programs thatencourage broadband adoption in low-income communities, for initiativesthat expand public community centers capacity and to fund thedevelopment of a national broadband map. The National Telecommunicationand Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utility Service(RUS) will be charged with distributing the grants and loans. However, NTIA and RUS appropriated funds will operate independently and are mutually exclusive ofone another. For example, if an area is receiving funds with a grantfrom RUS that same area cannot be covered under a project fundedthrough NTIA’s, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.

PSN's Guide to Key Broadband Bills in 2009

PSN — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:38:12 -0800

PSN is currently working with state legislators to both provide support to sponsors and build national messaging campaigns in order to move two pieces of legislation that focus on strategic integration of broadband into states long term plans. Moving these policies across multiple states will create opportunities for national messaging and mobilize the power of state action to move progressive broadband initiatives, and lead the way for bold federal reform. A key goal is to use these initiatives as a means to generate support for increased investment in broadband and motivation to leverage new broadband technologies to improve our economy, implement environmentally friendly and energy efficient policies and increase health care, education and social opportunities.

More on these and other policies can be found in Broadband and Technology Investments: Policy Options for 2009, PSN’s report detailing a range of bold policies states are introducing to ensure universal access to and adoption of affordable broadband, initiatives both comprehensive and incremental in scope.

Guiding Principles for Broadband Strategy Councils

PSN — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:55:15 -0800

The recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has earmarked an unprecedented amount of money to broadband and associated technology programs. This recognition of the role broadband currently plays and will play in all aspects of our lives, from energy management to healthcare, underscores why its imperative for states to think strategically about how to facilitate universal broadband access and adoption and to integrate broadband into numerous state goals.

Guiding Principles for Digital Inclusion Policies

PSN — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:54:38 -0800

Beyond investing in physical infrastructure, states need to invest in education and community media infrastructure to overcome the digital divide. The digital divide not only refers to the gap in broadband adoption between different demographics, but also refers to imbalances in the resources and skills needed to participate as a digital citizen in the 21st century. Groups frequently disenfranchised in other parts of society, such as lowincome individuals and minorities, often have fewer opportunities togain essential digital skills.