Contact:
William Dube
[email protected]
202-626-5744
WASHINGTON (June 12, 2014) -Whether downloading the latest music, uploading files to the cloud or talking with a doctor via a webcam, the development of broadband has transformed the way people navigate their daily lives. Yet despite the prominence of and reliance on Internet-connected devices, nearly one-third of American adults lack the digital readiness necessary to properly utilize many new technological applications.
Through Digital Readiness: Rethinking the Digital Divide, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) convenes an expert panel to analyze the current state of digital readiness and present policy recommendations for improving American's technical know-how. The event will include release and discussion of the new report Digital Readiness: Nearly One-Third of Americans Lack the Skills to Use Next-generation "Internet of Things" Applications, authored by noted broadband policy expert John Horrigan, former Consumer Research Director for the National Broadband Plan at the Federal Communications Commission.
The event will be held from 12 PM to 1:30 PM, Tuesday, June 17th at ITIF, 1101 K Street, NW, Suite 610A. Joining Horrigan on the panel will be Laura Breeden, Program Director for Public Computing and Broadband Adoption at the National Telecommunication and Information Administration; Larra Clark, Director for the Program on Networks at the American Library Association; Nicol Turner-Lee, Vice President and Chief Research & Policy Officer at the Minority Media Telecommunications Council; and Scott Wallsten, Vice President for Research and Senior Fellow at the Technology Policy Institute.
"Too often discussion of broadband adoption focuses on questions of access and price," says Doug Brake, Telecommunications Policy Analyst with ITIF and moderator of the event. "But the lack of digital readiness by individuals who already have access will continue to be a serious challenge as more and more advanced applications roll out."
The event is free, open to the public, and complies with ethics rules. A live webcast will be available on the event page.
Register for the event.
