Where do the major political parties stand on major Internet-related policy issues?
Good question, most recently answered by Clarissa Ramon from Public Knowledge. She wrote a piece that looked over six major policy issues and where the parties seem to stand on them based on their party platforms. Issues include: Internet freedom, open Internet, spectrum, broadband adoption, intellectual property and the Trans Pacific Partnership and free trade agreements.
Here’s a snippet:
4. Broadband Adoption-
D- “We will ensure that America has a 21st century digital infrastructure – robust wired and wireless broadband capability, a smarter electrical grid, and upgraded information technology infrastructure in key sectors such as health care and education. President Obama has committed to ensuring 98 percent of the country has access to high-speed wireless broadband Internet access.”
R- “We encourage public-private partnerships to provide predictable support for connecting rural areas so that every American can fully participate in the global economy.”
“With special recognition of the role university technology centers are playing in attracting private investment to the field, we will replace the administration’s Luddite approach to technological progress with a regulatory partnership that will keep this country the world leader in technology and telecommunications.”
PK-The FCC has recently reported that broadband is not yet being deployed in a reasonable or timely fashion. 19 million Americans lack access to fixed broadband, including one-third of tribal lands. The public-private partnerships mentioned in the Republican platform include programs like Comcast’s Connect to Compete program. This program allows families to apply for low-speed discounted broadband services after showing that they meet certain criteria, such as their children being eligible for subsidized school lunches.
Read the entire piece here.
[Image Via DonkeyHotey]
Sara Inés Calderón is a journalist and writer who lives between Texas and California. Follow her on Twitter @SaraChicaD.
