Dec. 6 public forum aims to make Internet for everyone a national priority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: November 10, 2008
Contact: Jen Howard, InternetforEveryone.org, (202) 265-1490 x22 or (703) 517-6273

WASHINGTON -- InternetforEveryone.org -- a public-private sector initiative to connect every American to a fast, open and affordable Internet -- will hold its first town hall meeting on Dec. 6 in Los Angeles. This event is the first of a nationwide series designed to build popular support for making universal Internet access a top priority for the new administration and Congress.

WHAT: InternetforEveryone.org Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, 12:30 - 5:30 p.m. PT
WHERE: The Radisson at the University of Southern California, 3540 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, Calif.

High-speed Internet, or "broadband," is becoming a crucial public necessity -- with unprecedented social, economic and educational potential. Technology plays a key role in solving many of the problems we face as a nation. But America's growing digital divide -- both domestically and internationally -- has cost the United States its claim to global Internet leadership. The social and economic consequences of America's failure to remain competitive are severe, and the need to address the problem is urgent.

"The Internet is transforming our democracy and economy," said Josh Silver, executive director of Free Press, the organizer of InternetforEveryone.org. "Yet nearly half of American homes are still not connected to broadband. Closing this digital divide must be a national priority. With its diverse citizenry, creative community and unique relationship to the information economy, Los Angeles is the perfect place to light the fire for Internet for everyone."

For more information, visit www.InternetforEveryone.org.