In advance of today's Federal Communications Commission hearing about the $7.2 broadband stimulus package, the advocacy group Free Press has issued a report lamenting the continued lack of home
broadband connections in urban areas.
"Many urban residents are locked out, unable to participate fully in the digital era," the report states. "They're prevented from applying for jobs, telecommuting, taking online classes or even
finishing their homework."
Tuesday's report focused specifically on two urban areas, Washington and Los Angeles, where many residents lack broadband connections because they can't afford them.
In Washington alone, only 52% of homes have high-speed Internet connections, according to the report.
The stimulus funds are supposed to go toward expanding the availability of broadband in
underserved areas. The FCC must come up with a national broadband plan by next February. The stimulus package, passed earlier this year, provides for the Commerce Department's National
Telecommunications and Information Administration to distribute $4.7 billion and the Agriculture Department's Rural Utilities Service to dole out $2.6 billion.--Wendy Davis