LA Mayor Calls Broadband Availability Civil Rights Issue of Our Time

At last month's Digital Empowerment Summit, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa proclaimed that high speed Internet availability is the civil rights issue of our time.

The Digital Empowerment Summit is an annual conference sponsored by the Alliance for Digital Equality, a Speed Matters Partner. The Conference was held to address issues surrounding internet availability and computer access in minority communities. The summit was held in advance of an FCC report outlining a national broadband plan many are hoping will highlight the challenges facing broadband availability. The FCC is expected to present the report to Congress on March 16, 2010.

Villaraigosa echoed both Speed Matters' and the Alliance for Digital Equality Chairman Julian Hollis's belief that broadband availability and Internet access can help lift lower-income and minority groups out of poverty. He explained:

"Broadband Internet is essential because of the need to quickly access information online. Virtually every job that someone [is seeking] now requires they have the ability to work on a computer."

He also praised Speed Matters' partner, the Alliance for Digital Equality, for its work in helping to create meaningful employment opportunities and widen broadband availability in underserved communities.

Both Villaraigosa and Hollis agreed that high speed Internet access should not be restricted to urban areas, and Internet providers should be held accountable for providing affordable access to communities not currently served.

Villaraigosa spoke at the summit about bridging the broadband gap and engaging local communities in technology training.

ADE LA Summit Mayor Viallaraigosa Interview (Alliance for Digital Equality)

Alliance for Digital Equality