Presentation to the Broadband Deployment Council

Paul E. Miller, MPA, Policy AnalystWest Virginia Center on Budget and Policy

August 3, 2011pmiller@wvpolicy.org

Education, Outreach and Adoption Requirements of Broadband Deployment Council Statute

Rev. James L. Patterson, President Partnership of African American Churches

patterson@paac2.org

• §31-15C-8. Stimulation of demand through public outreach and education

In order to implement and carry out the intent of this article, the council may take such actions as it deems necessary or advisable in order to stimulate demand through public outreach and education in unserved areas. The council shall consider the views, if offered, of affected members of the public, including private industry.

HB 4637 Broadband Deployment Council Created (2008)

Summary Percent

Relevance: not interested, waste of time, too busy, don’t need or want

48%

Price: too expensive, don’t have a computer 22%

Usability: difficulty/frustrating, too old, don’t know how, physically unable, worried about virus/spam/spyware

18%

Availability/Access 6%

Pew Research Center & American Lifestyles Project April 29, 2010, Tracking Survey N = 2,252 adults 18 and older

61% Non-Internet Users Need Help

• The Pew Research Center indicates that 61 percent of non-internet users would need someone to help them gain access to the internet.

• In order to improve the take-up rates of broadband usage there clearly needs to be a digital literacy campaign to help struggling users get online.

Summary Percent

Do you currently subscribe to Internet? NO 44%

What is the main reason for not subscribing?I don’t need itCosts are too high

76%23%

What is your race?African-American 73%

Do you own a computer? NO 40%

Partnership for African American Churches (PAAC)July 11-29, 2011 N = 337 adults 18 and older

Summary Percent

What is your primary internet use?

EntertainmentSocial NetworksJob SearchesEmail and General Internet SearchingLong Distance LearningSmall BusinessOn-line Shopping, Banking

80%49%15%54%6%7%18%

Partnership for African American Churches (PAAC)July 11-29, 2011 N = 337 adults 18 and older

Conclusion

• The Broadband Deployment Council must include the demand side in order to improve the state’s lagging broadband subscription rates.

• The new emergency rules must consider the funding of education, outreach and adoption efforts as part of its larger commitment to broadband deployment.