The federal government has allocated billions of dollars to ensure broadband access across the country, but funding and institutional reform currently does not address a looming challenge. While most Americans have a choice between a 21st century cable broadband network and a 21st century telephone network built with fiber, millions still only have a choice between a cable network and a far inferior 20th century copper telephone network offering service known as digital subscriber line (DSL).
Closing this divide—between communities with cable and fiber and those with cable and copper—is not a priority for policymakers at this time. But by the end of the decade, we will likely view the situation as more problematic, writes Blair Levin.
Why we can’t overlook people in addressing climate change. “The African population’s usage of natural resources and their intrinsic relationship with the natural elements should be considered an example of sustainability at its best,” argues Kerllen Costa in a new Foresight Africa viewpoint.
Family, school, and community engagement. For many schools around the world, the concept of family, school, and community engagement sounds ideal but is difficult to achieve on a daily basis. Emily Markovich Morris and co-authors share four critical elements that are central to positive engagement.
About Brookings
The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to conduct in-depth, nonpartisan research to improve policy and governance at local, national, and global levels. If you were forwarded this email, sign up for the Brookings Brief to stay updated on our latest work.
The Brookings Institution,1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
The conclusions and recommendations of any Brookings publication are solely those of its author(s), and do not reflect the views of the Institution, its management, or its other scholars.
