Connect Puerto Rico Data Illustrated in the National Broadband Map

For Immediate Release
February 17, 2011

Media Contact: Jessica Ditto
jditto@connectednation.org
202.251.4749

Watch: Brian Mefford Remarks on National Map

Map is significant milestone in charting America’s broadband deployment

San Juan, PR –Today the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) launched the National Broadband Map, which marks an important milestone in building the nation’s broadband infrastructure. The product of an intensive and joint effort of the NTIA, Federal Communications Commission, state governments, industry, and non-profits like Connect Puerto Rico, the map will be a key tool for the American public and policymakers.

"Broadband is the vital infrastructure to the information economy, but until now, the American public has not had a comprehensive picture about where that infrastructure is robust and where it needs improving," said Brian Mefford, CEO of Connected Nation, the parent organization of Connect Puerto Rico. "Today's launch of the National Broadband Map is a key milestone, as it will lead to smarter investments, and targeted state and local broadband policies and programs. I'm proud of the role that Connected Nation and our partners at the Puerto Rico Office of the Chief Information Officer have played in creating such a powerful tool that will benefit consumers and businesses nationwide."

Connect Puerto Rico, a non-profit, public-private partnership, has played an instrumental role in developing, gathering, and verifying data for the National Broadband Map.

"Having access to broadband can literally make or break a community's economic future and the welfare of its citizens," continued Mefford. For example, Connect Puerto Rico surveys have shown that:

• The top applications used by Puerto Rico Internet users include communicating with friends and family, conducting research for schoolwork, sending or receiving e-mail, using a search engine, and communicating with others through a social networking site.
• Many Puerto Rico Internet users go online for educational purposes. Island-wide, 56 percent conduct research for schoolwork online, 18 percent interact with teachers online, and 11 percent take classes online.
• In Puerto Rico, only 4 percent of employed adults report that they telework, or work from home using an Internet connection rather than commuting to work. Teleworking could provide an additional boost to the island’s workforce, as nearly one-sixth of retirees, over one- fourth of adults with disabilities, and over one-third of homemakers say they would likely join the workforce if empowered to do so by teleworking.

The National Broadband Map, http://www.broadbandmap.gov/, also offers several tools for analyzing broadband availability by broadband speed and technology. These tools will be critical to important policy debates. For example, last week, the FCC proposed to redirect up to $1 billion in current federal universal service subsidies to areas the map marks as unserved. Similarly, state and local broadband policymakers will use the map to inform infrastructure initiatives, planning projects, and adoption programs.

Semi-annual updates will continue to be made to the Connect Puerto Rico maps over the next four years. Citizens are encouraged to visit the map and offer feedback to ensure the highest level of accuracy.

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About Connect Puerto Rico: As a public-private partnership, Connect Puerto Rico partners with technology-minded businesses, government entities, and universities to accelerate technology in the state. The work of Connect Puerto Rico is made possible by support from the Office of the Chief Information Officer. For more information about what Connect Puerto Rico is doing to accelerate technology in Puerto Rico’s communities, visit http://www.connectpr.org/.

About Connected Nation: Connected Nation is the broadband mapping agent in 13 states and territories under the NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development grant program. This work comprises approximately 42 percent of the country’s landmass and encompasses approximately 39.5 million households. Connected Nation is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that expands access to and use of broadband Internet and related technologies. Connected Nation effectively raises the awareness of the value of broadband and related technologies by developing coalitions for improving technology availability and use. Connected Nation works with consumers, community leaders, states, technology providers and foundations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to develop and implement technology expansion programs. Connected Nation’s mission is to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. http://www.connectednation.org/.