Alliance Examines Broadband Deployment Impact on Underserved Communities

yesterday, The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE), hosted an executive presentation at The Boston Globe headquarters to discuss the potential socio-economic impact of affordable broadband deployment in the areas of job creation, public health, public safety, urban and economic development and educational advancement. The event, attended by various civic, religious, business and education leaders, marks the launch of the Boston Digital Empowerment Council (DEC).

"Our society is in the midst of a profound technology and communications revolution. This so-called 'digital revolution' is transforming the nation's economic, social, political and cultural landscapes," said Julius H. Hollis, chairman of The Alliance for Digital Equality. "Over the next 18 months, The Alliance will lead the charge to bring fair-minded policies into play, ensuring that broadband remains affordable so that the newest online users have continued access and that the last ones on aren't the first ones off." Hollis added that "this arrival into Boston marks the beginning of our second tour of grassroots organizing -- adding 18 municipalities to our national reach after having successfully established councils in five other major metropolitan areas."

The Alliance formally introduced the formation of the 50-member Boston Digital Empowerment Council (DEC) which has been launched to examine the impact of broadband access on the local community. The Boston DEC is part of The Alliance's nationwide initiative that advocates for increased broadband access, especially in urban and underserved communities. Previously, The Alliance has launched councils in Charleston, South Carolina, Houston, Detroit, Miami and Atlanta.

Texas Senator Rodney Ellis, an Alliance board member, outlined successful strategies developed by the DEC for his home district of Houston, Texas. Also presenting today were noted broadband expert Dr. Jabari Simama of Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., and Dr. Earlexia Norwood of The Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.

"The key to expanding opportunities for all communities is through digital empowerment," said Alliance Executive Director Maynard Scarborough, who served as The Boston Globe's Director of Public Affairs prior to joining the Atlanta, Georgia-based organization. "Educating communities about the value of broadband technology and pursuing policies at all levels of government that ensure equal access to cutting edge technologies, products and services that can empower all communities regardless of race, ethnicity, or income."

As part of its mission of "empowering communities across the digital divide," The Alliance will continue to bring together elected officials, consumers and the business community to educate minority communities about the importance, as well as benefits, of broadband usage. This national effort will continue in cities across the country to ensure that all Americans -- regardless of their race, ethnicity or income -- are empowered to join the digital revolution.

Founded in 2007, The Alliance for Digital Equality is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization that serves to facilitate and ensure equal access to technology in underserved communities. The Alliance also serves as a bridge between policymakers and minority individuals in order to help the public understand how legislative and regulatory policies regarding new technologies can impact and empower their daily lives.