Media Access Project Asks Government to Account for First Amendment Values in Broadband Stimulus Funding
Posted: Friday April 10, 2009
Media Access Project (MAP) filed comments today with the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Association, and the Rural Utilities Service regarding the procedure by which entities can apply for broadband stimulus funding provided via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
In its filing, MAP emphasized that core First Amendment principles must be considered as the three agencies determine application guidelines for funding directed to improve broadband Internet service. In addition to funding broadband to boost economic recovery, stimulus funds must ensure that all citizens can freely and openly communicate across broadband platforms. These goals can only be accomplished through the implementation of nondiscrimination and interconnection requirements.
“Public funds should be used to enhance, not limit, the ability of citizens to use their broadband and Internet service to speak with one another and to actively engage in democratic and economic activities,” said MAP Vice President Parul P. Desai. “The principles of nondiscrimination and interconnection are critical to achieving those fundamental rights,” Ms. Desai said.
MAP is a non-profit, public interest law firm dedicated to promoting the public’s First Amendment right to access a diverse marketplace of ideas in the mass media system. For over 35 years, MAP has promoted the public interest before the FCC and the Courts, advocating for open and diverse media that protect the free flow of information, promote universal and equitable access to media outlets and telecommunications services, and encourage vibrant public discourse on critical issues facing our society.
Read the comments.
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Contact:
Kamilla Kovacs
Development and Communications Manager
Media Access Project
202-454-5685
kkovacs@mediaaccess.org