The idea that “information technology has begun to transform anti-poverty efforts” as outlined in a Boston Globe column by Elaine Kamarck, of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government is an exciting and compelling reason to expand the reach of high-speed Internet. Internet providers have played a key role in this humanitarian work with the billions they invest annually in the infrastructure to make it possible.

Improving the efficiency and productivity of anti-poverty programs, broadband’s handprint on these efforts can be seen both at home in the U.S. and abroad. On the domestic front, Kamarck details the use of “smart cards” that were adapted by the food stamp program which offer electronic transfer technology to “streamline benefits and eliminate fraud. Computer matching programs have helped the Department of Housing and Urban Development handle housing assistance cases and while saving billions at the same time

In developing countries, the Internet is helping non-government organizations “bridge the social, economic, and physical isolation of the poor.” It is helping farmers connect directly with markets and eliminate middlemen that eat up revenue. In India, a program that provides Internet access via solar panels is helping them gain up-to-date weather and soil information to increase productivity.

These exciting benefits at home and internationally are in addition to the education, health care and economic benefits made possible by broadband that NGW promotes every day. We must ensure pro-investment policies continue so providers can continue to expand the broadband infrastructure that is fighting poverty worldwide.

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