Contact: media@nextgenweb.org / 202-326-7370

Discusses Rural Utility Service Deployment Initiatives in Farm Bill

BOSTON — NextGenWeb.org today posted an exclusive video-cast interview with Thomas C. Dorr, Undersecretary for Rural Development at the Department of Agriculture. Dorr, the lead speaker on the “Bringing Broadband to Rural America €? panel at the National Conference of State Legislators annual meeting in Boston outlined the Department’s views on how broadband access will improve life in rural America.

In the interview, the Under Secretary discusses various USDA broadband initiatives being pursued in this year’s Farm Bill. Dorr shares the three primary goals of the Department: first, to simplify the administrative process for ISPs in rural areas applying for loans; second, to direct loans to particularly underserved areas; and third, to create and enhance the quality of incentives to encourage the expansion of these services.

When asked if increased education on broadband applications like telemedicine and distance learning will boost the demand for services in rural America, Dorr says that “most rural Americans are already educated to the potential opportunities and benefits [of broadband]. As we better utilize and find the technology for health care, for education, for public safety, environmental monitoring and a number of other issues, we’re going to find out that people are very innovative in rural areas. This technology will make it possible for these Americans to live locally and compete globally. €?

Dorr joined USDA in 2001 and was appointed to be Under Secretary for Rural Development in 2002.

To view the complete interview, please visit www.nextgenweb.org.

NextGenWeb.org is a blog sponsored by USTelecom.

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Contact: Allison Remsen, 202-326-7370

Former NTIA Chair and current Co-Chair of the Internet Innovation Alliance Chats with NextGenWeb

WASHINGTON, DC — NextGenWeb.org today posted an exclusive video-cast interview with Larry Irving, former NTIA Assistant Secretary under President Clinton and current co-chair of the Internet Innovation Alliance.

In the interview, Irving discusses recent trends for increasing broadband penetration and usage. “New applications are making people more and more excited about broadband, €? Irving says. “The killer application for this new generation of Internet is video. €? Video capabilities along with lower prices, Irving argues, also help to increase broadband penetration in minority communities. A recent study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project shows that broadband usage among African-Americans now stands at 42 percent, up from 15 percent just two years ago.

When asked about the life-improving applications associated with broadband usage, Irving talked about the positive effects telecommuting could have on the environment through diminished carbon monoxide emissions. In addition, he discussed the upcoming retirements of the baby boomer generation and pointed to significant savings in healthcare through the use of telemedicine. Finally, Irving touted the educational benefits associated with broadband saying, “Geographic location will no longer be a barrier. Kids anywhere can have access to the best education and the best teachers through distance learning offered over broadband Internet connections. €?

Irving, co-founder of the Internet Innovation Alliance, is also President and CEO of the Irving Information Group, a consulting firm providing strategic advice and assistance to international telecommunications and technology companies, technology and media startups and foundations and non-profit organizations.

To view the complete interview, please visit www.nextgenweb.org.

NextGenWeb.org is a blog sponsored by USTelecom.

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