The FCC has been holding a series of workshops in an effort to collect information that will be useful in the creation of a National BroadbandPlan. On September 1st, state and local telecommunications officialsparticipated in a workshop entitled State and Local Governments: Toolkits and Best Practices,at which the FCC aimed to learn from the experiences of state and localgovernments that have proactively addressed broadband deployment andadoption issues in their communities.
The proliferation of the Internet and emerging technologies hastransformed the quantity, array of content, and speed at which information is communicated in our lives.
With the passage of HB 1701 the Washington State legislature once again demonstrated its understandingthat when combating the digital divide states must not just addressaccess issues, but must also focus on dealing with the barriers to broadband adoption by individuals.
This Dispatch will outline how funds allocated in the ARRA aim to support broadband initiatives and how states can leverage broadband to create efficiencies, increase opportunities and begin to bridge a major resource divide in our country by implementing progressive broadband initiatives.
Children are tomorrow’s workforce. Therefore, it is imperative that in
their education, they receive instruction on necessary digital skills. In order
to ensure that children from all backgrounds receive the necessary training to
be able to participate in an increasingly digital world, states should promote
digital skills as a priority for children. Digital literacy programs should be integrated into
classrooms, after-school programs, and at libraries or other places children
spend their time.
