Edward Gonzales's blog

September 2009---"Political and civic involvement have long been dominated by those with high levels of income and education, leading some advocates to hope that internet-based engagement might alter this pattern. However, a new report by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project shows that the internet is not changing the fundamental socio-economic character of civic engagement in America. When it comes to online activities such as contributing money, contacting a government official or signing an online petition, the wealthy and well-educated continue to lead the way.

August 2009---"The numbers are in: 2,200 applications are requesting $27.6 billion in first round broadband stimulus funding.

The problem: There’s only $4.3 billion available.

Welcome to the competition.

According to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), applications were submitted by a diverse range of applicants, including state, local and tribal governments; nonprofit organizations; industry; anchor institutions, such as libraries, universities, community colleges and hospitals; public safety organizations; and other entities in rural, suburban and urban areas.

August---2009 The results of this third annual Speed Matters survey of Internet speeds show that the U.S. has not made significant improvement in the speeds at which residents connect to the Internet. The average download speed for the nation was 5.1 megabits per second (mbps) and the average upload speed was 1.1 mbps. This was only a nine-tenths of a megabit per second increase (from 4.2 mbps to 5.1 mbps) since last year. At this rate, it will take the United States 15 years to catch up with current Internet speeds in South Korea. And when compared to the rest of the world, the United States ranks 28th in average Internet connection speeds. Read the full report check out how your state stacks up.

August 2009---FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski listened to San Francisco community based organization leaders who use technology for the benefit of the community.

The video states that the "SF Department of Technology has led a city wide initiative to expand broadband access throughout SF. They have used municipal fiber and Local Partnerships  over 4,000 residents in low income housing."

Chairman Genachowski agreed that access, adoption, and content are essential categories when looking at broadband.

To watch please visit the SFGTV's YouTube channel.

August 2009---Some areas most in need of broadband coverage don't qualify as "underserved" under the rules of the broadband stimulus program.

To read more please visit the Business Weekly website.

August 2009---The San Diego Broadband Initiative has reduced the digital divide in unconnected communities throughout San Diego County. The San Diego Broadband Initiative was formed to provide technology and technical resources to San Diego's underserved and low-income families. The term “digital divide” refers to segments of society without access to information technology and its potential to improve the quality of life. A 2009 survey by the California Emerging Technology Fund determined that 76% of the population of California uses the internet and 75% owns a computer. The approximate 25% of disconnected residents is at a tremendous disadvantage economically and educationally as more and more resources and information become available solely through the internet. True access includes not only computers and connections, but also having access to training that leads to proficiency needed to achieve higher levels of education and employment.

By the end of its first year of operation, over 1,950 low-income families had participated in a wide variety of services in which participants completed over 13,000 hours of basic computer training. After completing training provided by 14 partner organizations combined with other related services, each family received their own restored desktop computer with a new operating system and current software and discounted internet service.

The San Diego Broadband Initiative reached a number of significant milestones in its first year including: launching an interactive website, www.sdbroadband.org, negotiating reduced connection rates and offering over 30 on-line education and training courses. The depth and continuum of SDBI services offer members tools to increase employability skills and educational achievement, paths that lead to economic security and improved quality of life.

Over the next six months, SDFF will develop the next phase for the Initiative, SDBI 2.0, while continuing to provide SDBI services. SDBI 2.0 will launch in early 2010. The second phase will expand SDBI services to more than twice the target population of the first year and offer exciting new products and services.

July 2009---"Despite the much cited 'digital divide,' many multicultural consumers in the U.S. are getting much more active online but in different ways, according to new research from global market research firm Synovate. Though younger people across all groups are much more likely to be online, there are major differences, including between males and females of the same age and ethnic group."

To read the report published in June 2008, please visit the Synovate website.