FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2007 |
CONTACT: Linda Paris, 202-365-3343
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Experts Examine Successful Domestic and International Initiatives for Universal Service in the Broadband Era
The Alliance for Public Technology Conducts 2007 Policy Forum
Washington, D.C., February 9, 2007 – Today at the National Press Club, the Alliance for Public Technology (APT) held its annual Policy Forum centered on Achieving Universal Broadband: Models for Stimulating Deployment and Demand. The program opened with presentations of two extraordinarily successful models of accelerating demand for and deployment of high speed networks. Brian Mefford spoke about ConnectKentucky and Takashi Ebihara addressed the NTT initiative.
Policies for Stimulating Deployment and Demand was the topic for a policy roundtable that followed the Models of Success. A panel of experts discussed the importance of affordable and accessible broadband services in the United States and the various policy recommendations that would promote ubiquitous broadband. The roundtable participants included Albert Browne, Verizon Foundation; Kenneth R. Peres, Ph.D., Communications Workers of America and Alec Ross, One Economy Corporation. Also participating in the roundtable discussion were Mefford and Ebihara who added further to their views on effective strategies.
"Broadband services are no longer a convenience but an essential part of life. They are critical to American competitiveness, educational infrastructures, economic development and innovation, and our quality of life," said Robert Atkinson, Information Technology and Innovation President and Chair of APT's Policy Committee, who moderated the forum. "APT hopes that today's forum will not only spark a re-evaluation of our nation's broadband programs, but also the adoption of a comprehensive national policy promoting greater broadband deployment across our entire nation."
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About APT
The Alliance for Public Technology is a nonprofit membership organization based in Washington, D.C., which was founded in 1989 to foster public policies that ensure access to advanced telecommunications technologies for all Americans.
