The National Coalition on Black Civic Engagement and the .

The National Coalition on Black Civic Engagement and the National Council of Black Women Comment on New FCC Order to Keep Open Internet

PR Newswire - December 21, 2010

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ - The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP)and the National Council of Black Women (NCNW)today released the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission`s (FCC) vote to apply a new regulatory framework to keep open internet principles.

"The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and the National Council of Black Women (NCNW) note the significant accomplishment in the FCC`s passing of a new Open Internet Order. Upon initial review, the FCC`s regulatory program to maintain the open Internet will provide for decision makers and key internet players to refocus efforts to secure better broadband access, adoption, and affordability in our communities.

As two national organizations representing the interests of African American women, we see the life-changing tools offered by broadband Internet. Today, technology has enabled a transformation of how we, as communities, approach education, jobs, healthcare, business opportunities, and civic engagement. Without adequate approach to such benefits enabled through high-speed Internet, African Americans across the U.S. would be at a disadvantage. Hopefully, this adopted solution will provide public and private stakeholders to focus on efforts that deliver on President Obama`s commitment to universal broadband and the sociable and economic benefits it enables.

We are pleased that the FCC considered diverse perspectives on this topic and arrived at a thoughtful decision that allows for forward progression of the execution of the National Broadband Plan. We look ahead to working with the Charge to expand affordable open Internet access to everyone."

About NCBCP

The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation is a 501