Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) Applauds 74 Democrats for Position on FCC's 'Third Way' Approach

Rep. Gene Green (TX-29) and 73 of his Democratic colleagues sent a letter urging FCC Chairman Genachowski to reconsider plan to reclassify broadband internet service

ATLANTA, May 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) expresses their support for members of Congress who urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) not to move forward with a proposal that undermines critically important investment in broadband and the jobs that come with it. 

"We stand with these members of Congress in urging the FCC to reconsider their position on the reclassification of broadband," said ADE Chairman Julius H. Hollis.  "We believe that the leadership of Rep. Green and his 73 colleagues will be instrumental in steering the FCC from a path that will yield higher broadband prices -- essentially keeping the benefits of this great tool out of the reach of those who have the most to gain from it. Providing access to affordable high-speed Internet to communities that desperately need economic empowerment is essential to closing the digital divide."

According to the National Broadband Plan, millions of Americans still do not have broadband access and many underserved areas need more robust broadband facilities.  Further, both wired and wireless broadband services require increasing speeds.  This will require an estimated $350 billion in additional private investment and a continued commitment to the stable regulatory environment that has existed for the last dozen years -- that was a critical part of the FCC's own National Broadband Plan.  The FCC's 'Third Way' approach, however, does not support this critical framework.

"It is important to note that policies that raise costs for average Americans will disproportionately impact the Latino community and other communities of color," said Manuel A. Diaz, Vice Chairman of the ADE Board of Directors.  "Not only will the FCC's proposal likely lead to higher broadband prices, but it also creates uncertainty that will jeopardize valuable jobs and investment for years to come."

"Congress must take sensible action to guarantee all Americans have access to the benefits of high-speed Internet technology," said ADE Executive Senior Advisor Shirley Franklin.  "We at ADE are committed to working with Congress to find a more balanced regulatory environment that will not drive our economy back to the brink.  I am confident that we can close the digital divide that exists today.  We have a long way to go, but it is critical that we get there."

About The Alliance for Digital Equality

The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization that serves to facilitate and ensure equal access to technology in underserved and un-served communities.  The Alliance also serves as a bridge between policymakers and minority individuals in order to help the public understand how legislative and regulatory policies regarding new technologies can impact and empower their daily lives.  For more information on The Alliance for Digital Equality, please visit www.alliancefordigitalequality.org.

SOURCE Alliance for Digital Equality

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