Obama administration announces ConnectALL initiative

The Obama administration this week announced ConnectALL, an initiative to help Americans across the country access and use the Internet. “Connectivity is a path to greater opportunity,” the initiative’s announcement read. “In today’s world, broadband and fluency with technology fuel economic growth, provide access to the world’s knowledge, promote skill development, and build stronger and more connected communities.”

The initiative is ambitious and multifaceted. One of the first components is to support the FCC’s proposal to modernize the Lifeline program to include broadband. The White House directed the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to file Comments in support of updating the program, encouraging consumer choice, and coordinating enrollment with other government programs.

In addition to that directive, the administration commits to:

• Increase access to digital literacy training with the help of the Corporation for National and Communication Service and the Institute of Museum and Library Services

• Increase access to affordable devices by reusing equipment no longer needed by the federal government with the help of the General Services Administration and the Computers for Learning program

• Launch the Community Connectivity Initiative to “help community leaders identify critical broadband needs and connect them with expertise, tools, and resources for overcoming the challenges to expanded broadband deployment and adoption”

• Bring together private sector companies helping to deliver affordable connectivity

• Marshal philanthropic support to increase access to resources to support digital inclusion efforts in communities across the country

Read the White House’s ConnectALL fact sheethere.

FACT SHEET: President Obama Announces ConnectALL Initiative (White House, Mar. 9, 2016)