JOE BACA
43BD DrsTRrcr, CAL|FoRNtA
WASHTNGToN OFFIcE:
2245 RAYBURN HousE OFFTCE BUTLDTNG
WAsHrNGroN, DC 2051 5-0543
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Julv 21 .2009
CoMMtrrEEs
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DEPARTMENT OPERATIoNS,
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NATURAL REsouRcEs CoMMtrrEE
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CHATR, CoRpoRATE AMERtcA TAsK FoRcE
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The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 t2th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Re: I National Broqdband Plan for Our Future. GN Docket No. 09-51
Dear Chairman Genachowki :
I write to submit my comments about my concerns with the level of minority participation in the
development and implementation of a national broadband plan. A sound and strategic plan is
essential to ensuring an effective and accessible broadband service is available for all minority
and low-income communities.
Access to broadband is especially important for Hispanic communities as it continues to grow in
influence and purchasing power. There are now 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the
United States, which generates up to 400 million in gross receipts. However, a slow adaptation
of new technologies and moreover, a significant barriers to accessible broadband services
continue to hold back and impeded further economic growth. In2007, the Census reported that
35Yo of Latino households subscribed to broadband, compared to 69Yo of Asian households and
55% of White Non-Hispanic households. The ability for any community to share large amounts
of data over long distances in mere seconds can exponentially increase the available
opportunities for business, education, and civic engagement.
Therefore, I request that as a comprehensive and strategic plan is laid out, the following
proposals be taken into consideration:
Creation of accessible snd affordable broadband options:
The communities in greatest need are those that are low-income, minority and multi-cultural in
rural, suburban and urban parts of America, all who across the board are facing the toughest
consequences of the current economic recession. Providing an accessible and affordable
broadband adoption to these communities will exponentially alleviate the digital divide and
increase the economic growth of these communities. Furthermore, to ensure affordability of
broadband options, the service options made available need to be tailored to meet the needs and
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means ofthese communities; this includes adjusted initial customer and equipment deposits.
Specific focus on low-income and minority communities is strongly encouraged given the
historical low priority received by these communities for the deployment ofnew technologies.
Broadband availability and adoption educational campaigns
All broadband deployment and adoption policies need to include strategic uses of broadband
availability and adoption educational campaigns for low-income, minority communities. These
targeted communities must be informed ofthe availability ofservice options, the benefits oftheir
use, and how to find practicable and accessible uses ofthese options. Such targeted efforts may
include special emphasis on schools and health care centers; areas in a community that can
greatly benefit from increased wise technology investment and adequate preparation to use these
technologies by their employees.
Accurate Broadband mapping with correlated social indicators
To ensure proper progress measurements and to identify areas of greatest need, a multi
functional mapping of all broadband accessibility and adoption is needed. In addition to the
technical indicators ofbroadband availability, speed ofconnection, competitive pricing, etc, such
mappings may include indicators ofpoverty, income, ethnicity, housing, healthcare providers,
schools, churches, local government, etc.. Such measures will assist in identifying areas of
immediate need and in the monitoring of emerging technologies.
Market entrance opportunities/or Minority-owned business
Minority-owned businesses rising economic presence in the United States, and coupled with the
rise in the minority population's purchasing power, are key elements in the successful broadband
deployment. The entrance ofthese businesses will increase competition and create more
minority-held jobs. Current unemployment statistics for minorities are rising at historic levels, in
allowing a participation increase ofminority-owned businesses; we may lower these alarming
statistics.
Only through a comprehensive broadband policy, with a focus on minority and low-income
communities, can we successfully ensure access to broadband for everyone.
Respectfully Submitted,
JOEBACA
Member of Congress
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