The Other Side Of The Digital Divide Fights Back In Buffalo

The Don't Bypass Buffalo Coalition unveiled a billboard campaign that aims to further the fight for broadband equality in that New York State city. At the same time, the group released a letter "signed by two dozen local elected officials and community leaders that calls on federal and state representatives and regulatory agencies to investigate possible racial and economic discrimination by Verizon in the deployment of the FiOS network."

The reason for the prolonged fight is clear, according to one news report:

"Verizon has deployed its FiOS phone, internet, and television services throughout many of Buffalo's adjacent suburbs but has made the decision to exclude the City of Buffalo, reflecting a separate and unequal divide between City and suburban residents."

For its part, Verizon denies the charge. "I realize the coalition thinks there might be some discrimination at work here, but there is zero percent reality to that, and we've told that to the coalition," responded Verizon Spokesman John Bonomo. But, Don't Bypass Buffalo isn't accusing Verizon of intent, rather that their policies result in discrimination. 

"In the letter, they discussed the racial and ethnic disparity in the access to this technology, referencing the fact that in the 10 suburbs where Verizon offers FiOS, the proportion of African American residents in those areas is more than 13 times lower than it is in the City of Buffalo, and the Hispanic population is nearly 4 times lower."

The Communications Workers of America is a member of Don't Bypass Buffalo.

Don't Bypass Buffalo Coalition (website)

Local Leaders Call for Verizon Investigation (WNYMedia.net)

Group Ramps Up Call For FiOS In Buffalo (WGRZ TV)