Follow the Money: Ensuring Accountability in Broadband Initiatives

Congress recently earmarked $64 billion toward ending the digital divide, but this is just a drop in the funding ocean. For this ambition, the US has reserved additional billions across 15 agencies and 133 programs. To help navigate this complex task, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the National Broadband Map in hopes of minimizing inefficiencies.

But with so much funding at stake, we must still establish robust mechanisms to monitor and assess these programs. Using the FCC’s National Broadband Map and key lessons from previous initiatives, we can ensure these enormous allocations are put to good use.

Agenda

10:00 a.m.
Opening Remarks:
Mark Jamison, Nonresident Senior Fellow, AEI

10:05 a.m.
Discussion

Panelists:
Michelle P. Connolly, Professor of the Practice of Economics, Duke University
James Prieger, Professor of Public Policy, Pepperdine University
Anna Read, Senior Officer for the Broadband Access Initiative, Pew Charitable Trusts
Scott J. Wallsten, President, Technology Policy Institute

Moderator:
Mark Jamison, Nonresident Senior Fellow, AEI

11:15 a.m.
Q&A

11:30 a.m.
Adjournment