Broadband as a Tool for Reinvigorating Democracy and Government

The new Administration must include in its National Broadband Strategy initiatives to eliminate the digital divide through a program of "digital inclusion" - which encompasses access to broadband for all Americans and the skills and tools required to effectively use it. The NBS should foster increased transparency and empower greater participation by citizens, while at the same time implementing more efficient "e-government" practices to generate cost savings in the billions of dollars. Promoting digital inclusion and shrinking the digital divide will stimulate broadband supply and demand, as well as transform and reenergize the federal government, connect policymakers to citizens, generate substantial cost savings, and reinvigorate our democracy. The new Administration must also promote more direct citizen participation in government decision making through the use of broadband applications.