US President Obama launches his 'ConnectHome' project designed to expand high-speed internet to poorer households. NBC News says the President said internet is not a luxury, but a necessity."
He cites the convenience of having high-speed internet - job applications, learning online courses, paying bills, and even finding love. 'ConnectHome' intends to close the digital divide, where the rich can afford high-speed internet, and the poor are not able to afford it.
'ConnectHome' gets support from major players in the tech world. Google Fiber has promised free home internet in certain areas, while others are pledging low cost or free internet as well. Meanwhile, some offer free courses or training.
This project will pilot in 27 cities and in 1 Indian tribe, the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma. It is expected to reach 275,000 households, reaching 200,000 students. These low-income households refer to families whose earnings are less than $25,000.
March this year, the President created the Broadband Opportunity, a council composed of 25 federal agencies and departments to look into the plan to expand broadband access. Obama said access to high-speed internet is vital to the nation's economy and market competitiveness.
In 2008, a law was passed, the Broadband Data Improvement Act. As a result thereof, a census was made about computer ownership and internet usage among American households. The highlights of the results include these data: as to both ownership of computer and use of internet, these households are usually with young members, Asian or white, high income and with high level of educational attainment. Computer ownership and internet usage encompasses desktop computers, laptops and even mobile devices.
The top four big players in the internet service industry are Comcast, AT&T, Time Warner and Verizon.
In other news, First Lady Michelle Obama previously announced she did not want her children to have Facebook accounts. Firstly, for the security of Sasha, 13, and Malia, 16. And also because their Mom would rather not expose them to the perils of social media.
