Broadband -- high-speed Internet -- has thepotential to transform the way we live, learn, work and play, and the power tobe a galvanizing political tool, uniting progressives across the nation..Combined with investments in digital inclusion programs that are needed toprepare the next generation of workers, and public investments in localtechnology, states can incorporate technological advancement as a key part of aprogressive economic growth agenda.
High-speed Internet has been one of the most transformative communication technologies in human history; just as important as other traditional public goods orinfrastructure investments. It is no longer a luxury—but apublic necessity. Withuniversal and affordable high-speed Internet, states can leverage technology asan economic development tool and a means of providing better healthcareservices, smarter environmental policies, and greater educational opportunities. As this packet willdemonstrate, promoting increased access to and adoption of high-speed Internet,will not only provide many societal benefits, but can unite economicdevelopment experts, healthcare advocates, environmentalist, labor unions andeducators.
Unfortunately, nearly 20 million Americans today do not have access to a singlehigh-speed Internet provider, and even more are currently priced outof the market. In fact, only 54 percent of American households subscribe tobroadband Internet. This number shows how unprepared Americans are for thetechnology age in which they live. A closer look at the numbers reveals that access and useof the Internet is heavily weighted toward the upper echelons of society. Certain demographics have effectivelybeen left out of the digital renaissance.
