FCC Seeks Input on Broadband Initiatives and Accessibility

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes a number of broadband initiatives focused on the development of a National Broadband Plan that will "ensure that all people of the United States have access to broadband capability." The broadband initiatives are intended to accelerate broadband deployment in unserved, underserved and rural areas. 

As part of these efforts, the FCC is seeking comments on Broadband Accessibility for People With Disabilities and will be hosting a workshop designed to promote an open dialogue between the FCC and key constituents from the disability community. The workshop, "Broadband Accessibility for People with Disabilities II: Barriers, Opportunities and Policy Recommendations," is scheduled for October 20th. The public notice requesting feedback on this event is available in both Word and PDF formats from the FCC and comments are requested by October 6, 2009.

The FCC also announced two beta sites designed to encourage discussion on this topic. The first, Broadband.gov, is designed to collect ideas and feedback from all Americans in the development of the National Broadband Plan. The second site, OpenInternet.gov, focuses on the importance of maintaining a free and open Internet. You can learn more about this important work by reading or watching FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's Sept. 21 speech, Preserving a Free and Open Internet: A Platform for Innovation, Opportunity, and Prosperity.

A number of RtF participants will be involved in providing feedback and comments. If you are interested in helping out, please let us know by sending us an email at gv@trace.wisc.edu.