The digital disparity that currently impacts our communities is two-fold: (1) many low-income families do not have access to affordable Internet via a high-speed broadband connection at home, and (2) we lack culturally relevant content & quality programs. Minority buying power, prior to the economic downturn, was one of the strongest factors driving the nation’s economy. African Americans, particularly the younger generation, have been and will continue to be some of the earliest and best adopters of digital technology. The combination of these factors brings unparalleled opportunity, as minority consumers and entrepreneurs alike position themselves to utilize our communities’ economic power and creative ingenuity to become leaders in the digital economy. The National Conference of Black Mayors supports the follow broadband agenda to close the digital divide:
1. Broadband Mapping
The best way to ensure that our communities receive the benefits of stimulus funding is to support efforts at broadband mapping, which can help get broadband deployed in un-served areas. Mapping the current availability of broadband will help identify areas without broadband access. This critical to ensuring that stimulus money is used wisely.
2. Public-Private Partnerships
While financial support and leadership from the federal government is important, state and local governments have the best understanding of what their communities need, and how broadband can best stimulate their regional economies. The development of public-private partnerships on the local level can help facilitate the development of an effective broadband technology plan.
3. State Broadband Deployment Plan
To accomplish our goals of mapping and broadband accessibility through public-private partnerships, each state should create a “Broadband Technology Plan” that outlines how it would use NTIA/RUS stimulus grant funds to meet the goals of ensuring availability and deployment of broadband technology in all un-served areas, as well as increasing its adoption and use in underserved areas.
4. Accountability
The implementation process of the state broadband deployment plans must be marked with accountability. Transparency within the process will strengthen the working partnerships and build confidence among the constituencies within the communities being served.
5. Culturally-Relevant Content
The development of culturally-relevant content for minorities is a critical factor that will drive the increase of the adoption and use of broadband technology after its availability is secured.
