Citizens for a Digital Future strives for consumer friendly policies in Alabama
Montgomery – Today, Citizens for a Digital Future(CDF), a national coalition whose members support and advance public policies that encourage broad deployment, transparency and robust enhancement of broadband and digital technologies, launched in Alabama.
“As many states are now considering updating their telecommunications laws, we at Citizens for a Digital Future plan to support consumer friendly public policies, especially those encouraging broadband deployment in areas that are still woefully without access,” said John Watson, Chairman of Citizens for a Digital Future. “Such policies would benefit consumers by bringing a host of additional services and opportunities to their communities, spurring both innovation and investment in new technologies.”
The coalition recognizes that adoption of and access to broadband technology brings a multitude of benefits to consumers:
- Education – Online learning is a growing option in education with more states offering virtual schools, increasing access to advanced courses.
- Healthcare – Telemedicine and e-health services improve patient experience and reduce healthcare costs.
- Economy – Broadband allows small business owners to grow and expand their businesses, promoting economic development in their communities.
- Jobs – Investing in broadband creates network services and construction jobs and allows for telecommuting jobs.
- Environment – Telecommuting provides the environmental benefit of reducing the number of cars on the road and therefore green house gas emissions.
“Broadband is a critical tool when it comes to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities,” said Hezekiah Jackson, IV, Metro Birmingham NAACP President. “As a member of Citizens for a Digital Future, we are pleased to be involved with an organization that makes broadband deployment a priority.”
