Today, the Federal Communications Commission announced the formation of a cross-agency task force to combat digital discrimination and to promote equal access to broadband across the nation regardless of ethnicity, race, income level, religion, zip code, or national origin. This new task force demonstrates the agency’s commitment to eliminate digital redlining and to promote digital equity. Public Knowledge commends FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel for working to ensure that everyone has access to broadband no matter who they are or where they live.
The following can be contributed to Jenna Leventoff, Senior Policy Counsel at Public Knowledge:
“Broadband is an essential service – and everyone, regardless of who they are or how much they earn – deserves access to high-quality and affordable broadband. Unfortunately, the digital divide is most stark amongst communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. Many low-income or majority minority communities have slow, unreliable internet or no internet at all because of digital redlining. Additionally, other factors like the price of broadband and devices, a lack of digital literacy or other discriminatory practices can jeopardize connectivity amongst these communities.
“Because the digital divide for low-income and communities of color is a multi-faceted problem, we are thankful to Chairwoman Rosenworcel for recognizing that closing it will require multi-faceted solutions. We look forward to working with the Commission to ensure that anti-digital redlining and equal access rules are implemented expeditiously and without broad loopholes.”
You may view our blog post, “It’s 2021. Why is Redlining Still Happening?,” for more information on how digital redlining occurs.
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.