HITN Applauds National Broadband Plan: Continues Plans for National Broadband Access for Latinos and Other Underserved Populations

The Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network (HITN) applauds the National Broadband Plan released by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this week. The plan lays out an ambitious goal to expand broadband service; create incentives for availability and adoption; and provide greater transparency on spectrum use.

"HITN welcomes the National Broadband Plan and urges the FCC and Congress to move quickly to implementation," said Jose Luis Rodriguez, President of HITN. "Thanks to our partnership with Clearwire, HITN national broadband service extends to more than 27 markets covering more than 30 million people. We believe that the National Broadband Plan initiatives will facilitate faster deployment and greater adoption for all Americans, but in particular for HITN's target populations in the educational and non-profit sectors, as well as in the Latino communities we serve."

The HITN national broadband network is aimed at providing key ISP and related connectivity services over Clearwire's enhanced WiMax broadband network by connecting:

* Anchor institutions, especially those servicing Latino communities;
* Community Based Organizations (CBOs), to provide internet access and other broadband services at community centers;
* Higher Education Institutions; and
* Non-profit organizations.

"The HITN-Clearwire partnership makes it possible for us to deliver 4G WiMax service to millions of underserved Latinos and Spanish speaking Americans," said Rodriguez. "While we are pleased with our progress to date, we welcome the National Broadband Plan and the FCC's push to facilitate improved broadband access, which will allow HITN to expand to more communities and help bridge the economic and geographic gaps that have fostered the digital divide for too many Latinos."

The Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, Inc. (HITN) is the first public service media network for Latinos. It was established in 1983 as a New York State 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission to advance the educational, cultural, and socio-economic aspirations of Hispanics in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. HITN TV reaches over 35 million households throughout the United States and Puerto Rico through DIRECTV, DISH Network, AT&T U-verse TV, Verizon FiOS TV, and is available in markets through Time Warner Cable, Comcast Cable and Charter Communications.

HITN is the nation's largest license holder for 2.5 GHz Educational Broadband Service ('EBS") spectrum and created a national alliance of EBS license holders. Utilizing this spectrum, HITN Wireless is launching a new, mobile, educational network geared to the Latin community, schools and nonprofit organizations nationwide.