Women's Advocacy Groups Urge FCC To Increase In Broadband Access

Seven women's political and business groups discuss importance of broadband policy

WASHINGTON,  -- Seven national women's advocacy organizations hosted a joint media teleconference on the impact of the Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Plan on women and families, and the need for a sustained effort to promote increased private investment and innovation in the broadband marketplace.

The discussion included the need for new broadband access, the importance of online innovation and technology and the role of the FCC in encouraging new broadband investment.  Florida State Rep. Mia Jones, chair of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, moderated the teleconference.  

"We are excited to join with six other premier women's organizations in urging the FCC to consider the incredible impact broadband is having for women and families across America," Jones said.  "Access to broadband has had an incredible impact on the lives of women: whether it's new education opportunities for children and adults, or access to healthcare records for families caring for aging parents, or new business opportunities for entrepreneurs."

"We are honored to join with so many influential organizations to ask the FCC to sustain broadband policies that encourage private-market innovation and new access for women in urban and rural communities across the country," Jones said.  "The National Broadband Plan is an exciting chance to spur new high-speed, widespread and affordable broadband access."

Speakers on the teleconference included Louisiana State Senator Sharon Weston Broome, president of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative (NOBEL) Women, Robin Read, president of the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Bonnie Wong, president of the Asian Women In Business, Melanie Campbell, CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation Black Women's Roundtable, Barbara Kasoff, president and co-founder of the Women Impacting Public Policy, Commissioner Daisy Lynum, president of the Women in Municipal Government, Alma Riojas, president of the MANA, A National Latina Organization.

SOURCE National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women