NCTA President Powell: Broadband May Need to Be Part of Social Safety Net

NCTA-the Internet & Television Association President Michael Powell said that when it comes to universal broadband service, it is always hard when you get to the last portion of the population still on the other side of digital opportunity, so government needs to step up funding, including perhaps making broadband service part of the social safety net, like SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. But he points out that there was the same issue with other infrastructure, whether electricity or indoor plumbing or roads. Powell said the Federal Communications Commission does a lot in terms of funding, but Congress needs to do more. "Is broadband going to be part of the social safety net?" he asked. "If we believe broadband is an essential service, we are going to find a way to include some sort of support for those who are down on their luck or out of work or are struggling with the expenses associated with the service." Powell agreed that access to technology is a civil rights issue.