High-speed Internet crucial to future of arts, creative industries

A study authored by the Future of Music Coalition and the National Alliance for Media Arts suggests that universal high-speed Internet access is critical to the success of the arts and creative industry over the next decade. 

The report notes that technological advancements will offer both unique challenges and opportunities for the arts.

Advancing high-speed Internet availability is one of the single largest areas of opportunity:

"Ensuring that more American communities have access to high-quality, affordable broadband will strengthen the ability of artists and arts organizations across the US to compete in a global marketplace. [...] Access to technological platforms is a must for any creator or arts organization, and these platforms must remain fundamentally neutral and open to everyone."

Faster and more accessible high-speed Internet benefits consumers as well as artists. For example, larger bandwidth allows for more ways to access music-whether it is on a computer or in a car, over high definition radio frequencies. 

The paper also recommends adopting open standards and allowing for greater cooperation in developing tech policy. The FCC has drawn from many sources, including community organizations and federal agencies, in its development of the National Broadband Plan.

The National Broadband Plan is expected to contain recommendations on how the federal government can better involve community organizations in increasing broadband availability.

The Future of Music (Future of Music Coalition)

The Future of Digital Infrastructure for the Creative Economy (Benton Foundation)