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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Clayton Banks, CEO of Silicon Harlem, on broadband access and digital equity
2:58:50
·
140 sec
Clayton Banks, CEO of Silicon Harlem, strongly supports Intro 1122 and related bills aimed at closing the digital divide and expanding broadband access in New York City. He emphasizes the importance of creating an Internet advisory board to ensure community needs are met and argues that broadband access is crucial for providing equal opportunities in the digital age.
- Supports the creation of a comprehensive plan to expand broadband access to all homes in the city
- Highlights the importance of the proposed Internet advisory board in refining the broadband expansion plan
- Stresses that broadband access is about providing opportunity, not just internet connectivity
Clayton Banks
2:58:50
Well, first of all, good afternoon.
2:58:53
It's a nice morning.
2:58:54
Good afternoon, Pierre.
2:58:55
It's good to hear.
2:58:56
It's and distinguished members of the committee on technology.
2:59:00
And I gotta say hi to and Irene.
2:59:04
My name is Clayton Banks, and I am the CEO of Silicon Harlem, a community driven company dedicated to advancing digital equity and broad broadband access for all.
2:59:14
I'm here in strong support, a strong support for the bill one one two two and the package of all the bills that are aimed at closing the digital divide and expanding broadband access to every home in New York City.
2:59:28
I want to express my deepest thanks to council member Gutierrez for her leadership on this critical issue and her commitment to ensuring that no New York new no New Yorker is left behind in this digital age.
2:59:42
Too many New Yorkers still do not have access to reliable, affordable Internet.
2:59:46
This digital divide has held our community back, and we must change that.
2:59:51
Intro one one two two is a pivotal step forward in this fight.
2:59:57
This bill would task developing a comprehensive plan to expand broadband access to all homes in the city.
3:00:04
One of the most crucial aspects of this bill is the creation of an Internet advisory board, which will involve key stakeholders from diverse sectors, including technology experts, community organizations, and residents.
3:00:17
This advisory board will play a vital role in refining the broadband expansion plan and ensuring that it meets the needs of every community.
3:00:25
We cannot have a one size fits all solution.
3:00:29
The challenges faced by communities require targeted solutions that prioritize the needs of the residents who have been historically underserved.
3:00:38
In conclusion, I want to reiterate that broadband access is not just about providing Internet, it's about providing opportunity.
3:00:46
It's about ensuring that every New Yorker, regardless of where they live or where their income is, has equal access access to the opportunities of the digital age.
3:00:58
Thank you for your time, for your leadership, and certainly, I look forward to working with all of you to make this vision a reality and to create a more connected, equitable New York City.
3:01:09
Thank you.