Access Humboldt joined national organizations in comments regarding broadband mapping filed today with the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) in the US Department of Commerce.

New America’s Open Technology Institute led the effort which was also joined by Benton Foundation, Center for Rural Strategies, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, National Hispanic Media Coalition, Next Century Cities, Public Knowledge and X-Lab.

Full comments are attached below.

Key points raised in the comments address the need for timely, accurate, granular and sustainable data regarding the availability and cost of broadband internet and related needs for access and adoption across the digital divide.

Broadband maps based on accurate data are essential for good policymaking and better data requires increased funding with intelligent design that focuses on consumer experience and direct impacts on the marketplace of ideas.

Data on broadband performance, pricing, connection quality and other barriers to broadband adoption should also be considered.

And finally, the NTIA should build upon existing efforts like Measurement Lab (M-Lab) and the Community Connectivity Initiative with increased funding for a sustainable high-quality dataset in the public domain.

For more information, contact Sean Taketa McLaughlin

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Access Humboldt is a non-profit, community media & broadband access organization serving the residents and local jurisdictions of Humboldt County on the North Coast of California USA, managing resources that include: cable access TV channels; KZZH FM 96.7 community radio; a wide area broadband network with dedicated optic fiber connections to twenty locations serving local jurisdictions and community anchor institutions; broadband access wireless networks; a Community Media Center with studio and other production equipment and training on the Eureka High School campus; and ongoing operational support for public, educational and governmental access media services.

AccessHumboldt.net

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