Helena Mitchell attended an invitation-only workshop, "Broadband 2021" held June 16th and 17th at the National Science Foundation (NSF) in Arlington, VA. The workshop, organized by Penn State's Institute of Information Policy, was intended to help shape the future research agenda for broadband and help ensure all members of the U.S. society benefit from new developments in broadband. Dr. Mitchell briefly addressed current applications-related challenges in the opening session.
There were three streams of discussion: (1) advanced broadband technology, including new networking technologies, applications and services; device accessibility studies; project implementation and evaluation; (2) programs, services and applications that drive broadband utilization, including emerging broadband applications, digital literacy programs and community networking; access for disadvantaged populations such as persons with disabilities and tribal reservations; and (3) assessment of economic, social, and educational impacts (including aspects of broadband opportunity related to adoption, availability, and access). The workshop's outputs will be reported to the Broadband Opportunity Council (BOC), appointed by a Presidential Memorandum in the early fall. Given the priority accorded to this activity by the BOC and NSF/ National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the report is likely to receive wide attention in Washington policy circles and the media.
