Representatives of three federal agencies are calling for improved broadband facilities and access for Latino communities in the United States, stating that the technology is essential for opportunity and participation.
At a recent meeting held in San Antonia representatives for three federal agencies called for improved broadband services and access for Latino communities across the United States. The federal agency representatives were addressing a group of Latino non-profit organisations, and said that wide use of and access to broadband services was essential to building wealth and to business success in these communities.
The Federal Communications Administration, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Telecommunication and Information Administration already have a number of programs in place to expand broadband access and availability. Tom Reed, FCC communications and business opportunities director, said that broadband was an economic engine.
Reed also went on to state: “Not having broadband once was considered a nuisance. But now, broadband is essential to opportunity and participation. Latinos are an important part of our broadband agenda.”
Anna Gomez, NTIA deputy administrator, said that compared to many other countries the United States ranked fairly poorly when it came to broadband penetration. She said that within the Latino population the situation was even worse. According to figures only forty percent of households in Latino communities have access to broadband. Gomez said that too many households believe that broadband was not necessary, adding: “‘Not needing it’ will not cut it in this economy.”
Source – My San Antonio