Broadband Policy Panel September 22nd

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 September 22nd 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 320 South Broad Street in the Connelly Auditorium at 7PM.

Confirmed panelists include:

Allen Frank, chief information officer for the city of Philadelphia

City Councilmember Bill Green, vice chair of the Technology Committee

Todd Wolfson, co-founder of the Media Mobilizing Project

Derek Pew, chair of Boathouse Communication Partners

a representative from Clearwire has also been invited

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 them- 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. 

In addition to the broadband policy panel, local OneWebDay activities will include a week of volunteer technology service in Philadelphia Housing Authority developments. The initiative is intended to encourage long-term volunteerism by technologists. Check out the OWD Philadelphia website for more info: http://onewebdayphilly.wordpress.com/