Monday, November 21, 2011

Connecting to Compete

The FCC, with support from several cable companies, has announced a new program called ConnecttoCompete. Families that qualify would be able to receive broadband access for less than $10 a month, including no installation or modem rental fees, as well as opportunities to purchase low-cost computers (in the $150-$250 range). To be considered, a household must not be a current broadband subscriber and must have a child enrolled in a federal free- or reduced-lunch program. It’s no secret that access to broadband is a necessary component for underserved kids to stay competitive in future job markets. A recent Federal Reserve study noted that graduation rates for kids with computers and broadband access at home had a six to eight percentage point higher graduation rate than those without these tools. Access to technology is a requirement to compete. But what makes this program so exciting is that it’s funded largely by the private sector. Other current or upcoming programs that use public funds to subsidize the large communications companies have found justifiable resistance. Budgets are already tight and the general public is working hard enough to support themselves. Extra taxes and fees on existing bills tend to make people angry. By delivering ConnecttoCompete via private funds – and because the students who benefit are likely to one day work for these private sector companies – the program is, in essence, a form of investment. Now the key is to see how fast it can be implemented. What do you think about the program?

Labels: Broadband, FCC