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American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiative. Public Meeting March 19, 2009 Washington, DC. Definition of Underserved Areas and Reaching Vulnerable Populations. Underserved Populations (technology).
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American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiative Public Meeting March 19, 2009 Washington, DC
Definition of Underserved Areas and Reaching Vulnerable Populations
Underserved Populations (technology) • Individuals and groups of individuals who do not have ready, convenient and sufficient digital access. Includes individuals whose access is time- (can only use in 15 to 30 minute intervals) or place-limited (only use in places with restricted operating hours), and/or whose mode of access does not afford them sufficient privacy to ensure that the internet can be used for confidential matters such as healthcare and finance. Strategies to Expand Access • Focus on coverage (broadband penetration in particular geographies) • Focus on access (expanding public availability and access to low-cost devices that can be used in the home or anywhere, anytime (exponential increase in “on-ramps” to the web)) • Focus on promoting relevant and accessible content that connects vulnerable populations to ‘mainstream’ 6
MMTC BBIC Broadband Remarks • Timely, Equitable Deployment • Cable TV – South Bronx • Video Dial Tone – Electronic Redlining • Computers & Internet – Digital Divide • Broadband – Digital Inclusion • Definitions Dictate Outcomes • “Broadband” Speed – • Undercut incumbent incentives to improve • Waste resources by installing already obsolete technology • “Deployment” Zip Code Methodology – undercount access • “Rural” & Eligibility – omit areas in need • “Mapping” - Oversight
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiative Public Meeting March 19, 2009 Washington, DC