Privatizing the Public Trust: A Critical Look at Connected Nationb
Source: Public Knowledge
From press release:

The $350 million broadband mapping program required by the recent stimulus bill would be set back if there is widespread participation in it by a group called Connected Nation, according to a new report issued by Common Cause, the Media and Democracy Coalition, Public Knowledge and Reclaim the Media.
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Connected Nation conducts mapping and broadband demand surveys around the country through subsidiary organizations. It started as Connect Kentucky, and has repeatedly told a story of its successes there and around the country in measuring broadband deployment and creating demand for the service.

According to the report, Privatizing the Public Trust: A Critical Look at Connected Nation, “It would be a setback for our broadband policy if Connected Nation were to take a prominent role in broadband mapping and data collection if it continues on its present policy course because the organization does not represent wise public policy and because it distorts its results.”

The report argues that Connected Nation’s policy restricts the collection and use of information gathered from the telecom companies and other incumbents that make up its board. “Quite simply, Connected Nation’s strategy is to accept public funds for collecting information from its sponsors which is then kept largely private, hidden behind strict non-disclosure agreements (NDA). This privatized data gathered with public money is a violation of the public trust.”

+ Full Report (PDF; 3.8 MB)

access article here.