Federal Plan Could Aid Online Advocacy

In its new National Broadband Plan, the Federal Communications Commission offers recommendations on how high-speed Internet service can be used to get people involved in community activities.

The plan calls on all branches of the federal government to make legal documents, data they collect, and information about their processes available free online. It also emphasizes the important role that the news media plays in educating the public and urges the government to increase financing for public broadcasting and public radio.

The federal commission is teaming up with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to sponsor a contest to encourage the development of mobile and online tools to make it easier for citizens to gain access to government information and services.

The Knight Foundation has committed $100,000 in prize money, and will announce more information about the contest soon.

To read the plan: Go to http://www.broadband.gov.