In October of 2009, SDFF received a phone call from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) indicating that they would be in San Diego and that they would like to meet with us to learn more about the San Diego Broadband Initiative (SDB).

Most people know the FCC as the government agency that regulates content on TV and radio. You know all the "bleeps" you hear on reality shows these days? Those are the rules of the FCC being enforced (not to mention bad TV).

The FCC does a lot more than that but, with regard to technology, they regulate and manage the use of "air" to transmit information. So when you hear about wireless technology, cel phones, etc., the FCC determines how "airwaves" are used by telecommunications companies for phone services. They also decide which of those airwave are "open" and which ones are "licensed". The term "WiFi" refers to wireless communication that anyone anywhere can set up and use for communications, like connecting to the Internet. No FCC approval needed. Cel phone carriers, on the other hand, pay a whole bunch of money to have their own private "channels" to use for services. The FCC is in charge of all of that.

Earlier this year the FCC started working on a National Broadband Plan. The plan is supposed to pave the way for improved services from wired and wireless software developers and equipment makers. more of the resources they need to continue innovating and making really cool mobile stuff. The Plan is also intended to ensure that the folks who don't know a lot about computers and technology, or who have a difficult time keeping up, aren't left behind. That's where we come in.

In our meetings on Tuesday and again today, we offered to provide the FCC with whatever information we have that can help them craft a plan and ensure everyone's needs and concerns are addressed. They are interested in learning more about:

--  How we provide training
--  Where the computers come from and how we're going to find more of them
--  How we offer support
--  Some of the challenges in setting up a program to address such widespread need
--  Where we're going in the future

We will never, EVER share personal or private information we collect as part of our program, but we probably will post a few surveys or polls and ask program participants for opinions about our program, what works, what needs to be improved, and what additional resources we can offer to create a better program, and share that information to help shape and affect national policy.

Wow, who would have thought we'd be doing that!