Transforming Underserved People Into an Economic Force with Broadband

Digital inclusion – bridging the divide between the technology haves and have-nots. 15% and 30% of our urban citizens are shut out of the digital economy, while that and maybe more in our rural lack Internet access. Input and participation must come from the communities themselves for digital inclusion to work.

Executive Vice President Brigitte Daniel at Wilco Electronic Systems, Inc. in Philadelphia and Bruce Montgomery, CEO of Chicago-based Technology Access Television gives listeners some insights to how to execute plans that leverage broadband for personal economic development. This interview tackles several digital inclusion challenges that face community advocates and stakeholders:

• How do we strengthen ISP competition in urban areas
• Is there enough broadband infrastructure in Tier 1 and 2 cities
• What type of assistance bridges the digital divide
• How do we build a self-sustaining digital economy low income neighborhoods

This is a moral imperative and an economic necessity.