Broadband Policy Panel

Broadband experts to address Philadelphia’s digital future Sept. 22.

Join a discussion about local and national Internet policy on OneWebDay.

Philadelphia residents will have an opportunity to participate in a discussion about the future of local broadband access during a Sept. 22 policy panel. The event is being held at the University of the Arts as part of Philadelphia’s inaugural OneWebDay celebration. The panel is the latest in a series of public events meant to encourage dialogue about the Nutter administration’s promise to expand affordable and reliable Internet access to all Philadelphians. The event will be held Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 311 South Broad Street in the Connelly Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Confirmed panelists include:
• Allan Frank, chief technology officer for the city of Philadelphia
• City Councilman Bill Green, vice chair of the Technology Committee
• Todd Wolfson, co-founder of the Media Mobilizing Project
• Derek Pew, chair of Boathouse Communication Partners
• Doug Faith, Chief Operating Officer of S2S Communications

Panelists will explore the question: “Philadelphia’s broadband stimulus grant application is in to the Feds, so what now?” A citywide fiber infrastructure and expanded internet adoption programs could become reality. Conversely, if the Obama administration rejects Philadelphia’s request for money, how can the “Digital Philadelphia” vision still be realized?

Founded in 2006 by Susan Crawford–who now advises President Obama on science, technology, and innovation policy–OneWebDay is an annual, global event celebrated every September 22. Much like Earth Day, which inspired it, OneWebDay provides an opportunity for communities to celebrate the power of Web for positive change, and to educate the public and policy-makers on key social, economic, and political issues related to broadband access. This year’s theme–One Web. For all–is all about digital inclusion and digital literacy. OneWebDay is meant to draw attention to efforts that work to ensure anyone who wants access to the Internet has it, as well as the skills to take advantage of information technology. The fight for digital inclusion is now on the cutting edge in the long struggle for social and economic justice.

About University of the Arts:
The University of the Arts is the nation’s only university dedicated to the visual, performing and communication arts. Its 2,400 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs on its campus in the heart of Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts. The institution’s roots as a leader in educating creative individuals date back to 1868.
www.uarts.edu