Booker, Menendez Praise White House Announcement of ConnectHome Program to Expand Broadband Access

Newark, Camden among 27 communities that are part of new public-private partnership pilot program

WASHINGTON – July 16, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Robert Menendez today praised President Obama’s announcement of the ConnectHome initiative, a public-private partnership that seeks to expand access to high-speed broadband to more families across the country. The program’s pilot project is launching in 27 cities across the United States – including Newark and Camden, New Jersey.

“I’m proud that Newark and Camden are among the first communities in America to benefit from the ConnectHome initiative,”said Sen. Booker. “Expanding the availability of broadband Internet in more communities helps to level the technology playing field. The global economy is more interconnected and information-based than ever before, and this initiative will bring people in New Jersey closer to economic opportunities.”

“Now more than ever, a lack of internet access is a denial of access to basic education and employment resources.   With a majority of low-income families and millions of children without broadband access, we need innovative solutions to give these families an equal chance,” said Sen. Menendez.  “I’m proud that both Newark and Camden will be among the first to gain from this initiative, and I applaud this collaborative approach to link families with the tools necessary to live engaged, productive lives.”

ConnectHome aims to close the digital divide by providing in-home broadband Internet connections to low income households. The program includes support from the public and private sectors. More information about the ConnetHome initiative can be found on the White House website at https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/07/15/fact-sheet-connecthome-coming-together-ensure-digital-opportunity-all.

Booker has worked in the Senate to promote policies that encourage innovation and investment in technology and expand access to high-speed Internet across urban, suburban and rural communities. In June, Booker introduced the Broadband Adoption Act to modernize the Universal Service Program to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable broadband service to more low income families and individuals.  In January, Booker introduced the Community Broadband Act, which preserves the rights of communities to invest in municipal broadband networks, helping to expand access to high-speed internet.