Text | Word 97


fcclogo NEWS

Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
News media information 202 / 418-0500
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 202/418-2555


This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2000
  NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
David Fiske 202-418-0513


STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD ON
PRESIDENT CLINTON'S GLOBAL DIGITAL DIVIDE INITIATIVE

I commend President Clinton and leaders from the G-8 countries for their absolutely essential initiative to harness public and private resources to bridge the global digital divide.

The Internet revolution and high technology are playing an increasingly vital role in every nation's economy. Therefore, it is also vital for all citizens of the world to have access to opportunities to participate in this digital world.

The President recognized the FCC's "Development Initiative" in the G-8 document, "A List of Public and Private Sector Alternatives to Bring the Digital Opportunity to Developing Countries. " I can report that we have already seen positive results from this program, which helps selected developing countries strengthen their regulatory bodies with the aim of decreasing the digital divide and promoting the development of telecommunications communications infrastructure.

But as the President has clearly shown in creating the Digital Opportunity Task Force, this is an effort that requires many programs and efforts on a world-wide basis. It is essential that governments and private sector companies and organizations alike join hands and employ their resources to bring everyone into participation in the digital age.

Therefore, I join the President's "Global Call to Action" and urge the United States high technology and telecommunications companies to join this effort to bridge the digital divide.

- FCC -