Blogging Digital Inclusion: Efforts & Resources

This blog will allow me to share Digital Inclusion resources, and stimulate discussion around this critically important topic.

Please participate!

Senate Network Neutrality Hearing Recap

Thanks again to the Benton Foundation for coverage on this issue-- network neutrality is a critically important component in any Digital Inclusion strategy. The FCC position on this as expressed by Chairman Martin is encouraging. For the hearing recap, visit http://tinyurl.com/5fhvxc

Digital Inclusion Fund Announces First Round of Grantees

The Digital Inclusion Fund has awarded grants to nine local agencies working to ensure Digital Inclusion in the Twin Cities. For a list of grantees (and advisors) visit:
http://www.digitalaccess.org/dif_advisors.htm

MN Take Notice: California Broadband Report Released Today

The California Broadband Task Force today released their final report, "The State of
Connectivity – Building Innovation Through Broadband."
This comprehensive and well-written report "includes maps of current broadband availability and speed,recommendations to achieve universal access and increased use, and a timeframe in which to meet these critical goals."

The report is available online at www.calink.ca.gov/taskforcereport/

Minnesota state officials should take notice: if we wish to compete in a 21st Century economy, our first step should be to find out where we are today with broadband connectivity across the state (asset mapping).

From a "Digital Inclusion" perspective, this report calls for increased funding to support existing technology literacy efforts, expand computer refurbishing and placement programs (working with community colleges, a great idea!) , and increase technology support for rural schools and small businesses.

Required reading for anyone interested in economic sustainability, education, technology, health care or social inclusion-- i.e., pretty much everyone.

New Policy Initiative: The Digital Inclusion Forum

Just back from a two-day trip to Washington D.C. attending the inaugural Digital Inclusion Forum. This is a project of an Industry/Government and Academic group that works on Wireless initiatives internationally (W2i). Wireless Minneapolis community benefits agreement (CBA) was noted as a "best practice" during policy roundtable discussions.

Microsoft Whitepaper Highlights Minneapolis Wireless Initiative

A newly published white paper by Microsoft's Maria Wynne and Lane Cooper spotlights innovative Digital Inclusion projects around the U.S.:

Power Up: The Campaign for Digital Inclusion --
Digital Inclusion Imperatives Offer Municipalities
New Social and Economic Opportunities

Minneapolis is noted for both the business case behind Wireless Minneapolis, and the Community Benefits Agreement that accompanied the final contract. Great recognition of local efforts! Download the Report (pdf)

Merry Christmas Media Moguls!

The FCC today ignored public comment, and approved sweeping changes in media ownership rules which promise to consolidate media ownership in the nation's 20 largest markets.

This is a dark day for independent, free media, and democracy in general--which relies on an informed public. Divided FCC eases media ownership restrictions (Reuters News)

Presentation Notes

Linked here is a presentation I recently gave at a forum on community benefits agreements, sponsored by the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) at the University of MN, and the Federal Reserve: The Wireless Minneapolis Community Benefits Agreement: From Conflict to Collaboration