Increasing Broadband Adoption for Minorities and Their Communities

The National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, the National Conference of Black Mayors, the National Association of Black County Officials and the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials sent a letter and a report to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski offering their shared recommendations on how to promote national broadband adoption and use, particularly among low-income, unserved, underserved and minority populations.

Section I of the report discusses disparities currently existing among different race and ethnic groups and the barriers African Americans are facing on broadband adoption. A set of policy recommendations to increase broadband adoption among minorities are illustrated in Section II with three case studies. Section II also recommends ways broadband could be used to improve healthcare, education and employment. The last section details the call for action from African American elected officials committed to helping government and industry overcome these barriers and increase sustainable broadband adoption for African Americans.