Fwd: [MADCoList] announcing the Coalition for Local Internet Choice

[Greg Bloom]

Hi folks - 

Joanne Hovis and Jim Baller (leaders behind this initiative) happen to be advisors to OCTO regarding DC-NET. I learned a lot about the complexity and complications of this issue from them. And I am intrigued to see them launching this initiative. 

Attached are some details, i think it would be interesting to see a group of local organizations in DC join this coalition together, in a simple statement about the future of the District's broadband infrastructure.

Let me know if you're interested in somehow participating.

~greg

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Joanne Hovis <jho...@ctcnet.us>
Date: Mon, Jun 9, 2014 at 2:00 PM
Subject: [MADCoList] announcing the Coalition for Local Internet Choice
To: "MADC...@list.media-democracy.net" <MADC...@list.media-democracy.net>

Dear MADCo colleagues and friends:

Today, we launched a new coalition of public and private entities who support the rights of local communities to make their own decisions regarding broadband Internet networks -- unhindered by state laws or other policies that attempt to stifle or preclude local innovation and investment.. 

The organization is the Coalition for Local Internet Choice (CLIC) and our mission statement and principles are below (you can also find them on our website at www.localnetchoice.org, where you can sign up for email updates and CLIC membership).

We are proud that MADCo's own Edyael Casaperalta is a member of our Board of Advisors.

We believe that local choice to build communications networks, either alone or in partnership with private entities, is one important means of catalyzing the development of the local networks that are essential to our national and local interests. For that reason, we are committed to working to demonstrate the importance of local communities' authority to determine their own broadband Internet futures.

We hope that many of you -- and the institutions you represent -- will consider joining this coalition. And we hope you'll let us know if you have questions about CLIC.

best regards,

Joanne Hovis

Chris Mitchell

www.LocalNetChoice.org

twitter:@LocalNetChoice

CLIC mission statement

The Coalition for Local Internet Choice – CLIC – represents a wide range of public and private interests who support the authority of local communities to make the broadband Internet choices that are essential for economic competitiveness, democratic discourse, and quality of life in the 21st century. 

CLIC principles

The Internet Is Essential 21st Century Infrastructure: Modern broadband Internet networks are essential infrastructure in the 21st century economy. Access to modern broadband infrastructure is vital in ensuring that all communities – rural, tribal, and urban – can access opportunity and participate fully in community life.

Local Communities Are the Lifeblood of America: America is built on its great communities. Towns, counties, and cities are where economic activity and civic engagement live — and communities recognize modern broadband Internet infrastructure as essential to enable such economic and democratic activity.

Communities Must Be Able to Make Their Own Choices: Local choice enables local self-reliance and accountability. Local choice enables local innovation, investment, and competition. Local communities, through their elected officials, must have the right and opportunity to choose for themselves the best broadband Internet infrastructure for their businesses, institutions, and residents. Federal broadband policies must prioritize local choice and provide local communities full, unhindered authority to choose their own broadband future.

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• gjb •

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