On December 2, 2008, in an unprecedented display of consensus, a broad and diverse array of groups concerned about America’s broadband future released a Call to Action that provided President-elect Obama and the incoming Congress a policy framework for a comprehensive national broadband strategy.
The Coalition includes prominent communications providers, high technology companies, manufacturers, consumers, labor unions, public interest groups, educators, state and local governments, utilities, content creators, foundations, and other stakeholders in America’s broadband future. These organizations believe that such a strategy is critical to America’s economic vitality, educational opportunity, public safety, energy efficiency, environmental stability, global competitiveness, and a continuing high quality of life.
At the event, representatives of these organizations voiced support for the Call to Action, discussed their shared goals, and announced their intent continue to work together to address key issues and policy priorities.
Since then, the membership of the Coalition has grown to more than 150 organizations, and it has formed six working groups to develop as much agreement as possible on the key components of a national broadband strategy.
Jim Baller and the Broadband Future