Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The 21st century equivalent of a chicken-in-every-pot, the Federal Communications Commission’s is spearheading President Barack Obama’s proposal to make high-speed Internet service available to all Americans. The FCC unveiled its ambitious plan that will require billions of dollars to expand the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure and bring broadband services to those areas currently without, such as rural and poor America.
About 65% of the United States has access to high speed service, but the FCC’s goal is to raise this level to 90% during the coming decade. The government also wants to improve broadband speeds for those already with the service. Currently, the United States trails many European in terms of universal broadband access.
Most industry and consumer advocates hailed the plan. Smaller telecommunications companies stand to benefit by gaining access to new customers, but larger corporations like AT&T and Verizon could find themselves sharing their networks with competitors. Television broadcasters are worried that they may be forced to give up spectrum at low cost.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Executive Summary: National Broadband Plan (Federal Communications Commission) (pdf)
F.C.C. Calls New Broadband Plan Vital (by Matt Richtel and Brian Stelter, New York Times)
How the FCC's New National Broadband Plan is Expected to Affect Consumers (by Cecilia Kang, Washington Post)
The FCC's Broadband Plan: Winners and Losers (by Jared Newman, PCWorld)
FCC Wants 120MHz of Spectrum from TV Stations (by Grant Gross, IDG News Service)
Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan (Federal Communications Commission) (pdf)
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