How to Define “Broadband Social Justice”

[Commentary] The key network neutrality issue for people who have not adopted broadband is not whether they should be “for or against” it. The network neutrality debate itself has become a broadband adoption barrier. Advocates and policy makers should also recognize two differing approaches to “broadband social justice” -- a “blue” definition and a “green” definition, if you will. The blue definition sees the key component of broadband social justice as broadband adoption -- increasing the number of people who are able to use the Internet. Under this view, broadband adoption must be prioritized before all else. The blue definition holds that while net neutrality is a concern, it is not a primary concern where broadband is not being adopted (for want of access, low enough prices, etc.). The green definition, on the other hand, turns on the importance of network integrity and protecting the ability of people to do what they want to do after they go online.