The Connected Nation Blog: Connected Nation Touted, Testifies on Capitol Hill

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Connected Nation Touted, Testifies on Capitol Hill

Connected Nation’s efforts to expand broadband adoption and access were touted today in a Congressional hearing addressing the issue on Capitol Hill.

In testimony before a Congressional subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet Thursday, U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R, OH-5), lauded the work of Connected Nation and its Connect Ohio initiative, specifically the research on broadband adoption in the state and commitment to public-private partnerships. “Connected Nation has been a key component at raising awareness (in the state),” Latta said in his opening remarks.

Connected Nation Chief Policy Officer Laura Taylor also provided testimony during the hearing, the fourth in a series the subcommittee has held to discuss the recent National Broadband Plan, explaining how Connected Nation’s efforts have helped bridge the digital divide across much of the nation.

U.S. Rep. Zack Space (D, OH-18) applauded Connected Nation’s “great work” done in overcoming the first hurdle to broadband expansion – mapping, calling Connected Nation “one of the nation’s leaders” in broadband mapping.

Taylor testified about how Connected Tennessee’s efforts have helped increase broadband adoption among minorities, who have historically lagged Caucasians in Internet use, to the point that they have now surpassed Caucasians, with 84% of minority adults in Tennessee reporting that they use the Internet.

“That says it all - that your nonprofit organization is doing that,” said U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns (R, FL-6) of Connected Nation’s success in reaching underserved communities.

For more on the hearing,
see Laura Taylor’s full testimony.

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