A call for a national broadband policy was the overarching message of a briefing for Congressional staff members and interested non-profit organizations co-sponsored by APT and One Economy Corporation on Wednesday, July 30, in the U.S. Capitol.  One Economy is a leading consumer group promoting adoption of technology for low income Americans.  

APT President Kenneth Peres called for a national broadband policy that will stimulate investment in high-speed networks and foster adoption of broadband services. He also urged passage of S. 1492, the Broadband Data Improvement Act, noting that there is broad support for the bill.  It would improve information gathering about current broadband deployment and assist in targeting resources to areas in need of such services.

In welcoming remarks, Julie Rones, Deputy Chief of Staff to Representative Ed Towns (D-NY), said the Congressman believes broadband is "essential," and he supports government incentives for investment in high-speed networks.

Alec Ross, Executive Vice President of One Economy, urged more effort to be focused on adoption.  Citing a recent Pew study, Ross said that 40 percent of the people who don’t have broadband don’t choose to have it because they say it is a waste of time or they are not interested. Only 12 percent said they don’t have it because they can’t get it.  Access and cost were minor factors. While not minimizing the importance of access for those communities where it is still not available, Ross said that adoption is the main concern of One Economy at this time.

Austin Bonner, Director of Communications and Media Relations, demonstrated the Public Internet Channel (PIC) that One Economy is now Beta testing.  It is a public-private partnership that is creating content that will address the barriers to adoption and demonstrate value.