Benton: Universal broadband a necessity

As Congress debates an economic stimulus package that includes funding to boost the number of people in the United States with broadband Internet access, at least one organization says access alone isn't enough--and it's urging the Obama administration to adopt strategies to stimulate broadband demand. The Benton Foundation, a private foundation that works to ensure media and telecommunications serve the public interest and enhance democracy, issued its urgent call to action--titled "Action Plan for America: Using Technology and Innovation to Address Our Nation's Critical Challenges"--before Congress drafted its stimulus legislation. The report has taken on new importance, however, as broadband funding has become mired in a tense political debate on Capitol Hill.