Implementing the National Broadband Plan | Issues

Allow state and local governments to get lower service prices by participating in federal contracts for communications services

Recommendation #161
FCC Chapter: 14.2
When feasible, Congress should consider allowing state and local governments to get lower service prices by participating in federal contracts for communications services.

Federal government agencies and departments should serve as broadband anchor tenants.

Recommendation #160
FCC Chapter: 14.1
Federal government agencies and departments should serve as broadband anchor tenants for unserved and underserved communities.

Spur regional innovation and development as well as greater collaboration across universities

Recommendation #159
FCC Chapter: 13.10
The National Science Foundation should use its technology transfer grants to spur regional innovation and development as well as greater collaboration across universities.

Give regional development managers access to integrated federal, state local Tribal data.

Recommendation #158
FCC Chapter: 13.9
The Economic Development Administration should create an easy-to-use, dynamic online information center that gives regional development managers access to integrated federal, state local Tribal data.

Develop broadband benchmarks for economic development

Recommendation #157
FCC Chapter: 13.8
The federal government should develop regional and community broadband benchmarks for use as a central component within economic development planning and programs.

The federal government should promote telework internally

Recommendation #156
FCC Chapter: 13.7

Status: Completed

The federal government should promote telework internally.

Eliminate tax and regulatory barriers to telework

Recommendation #155
FCC Chapter: 13.6
Congress should consider eliminating tax and regulatory barriers to telework.

Deliver virtual employment assistance programs and facilitates individualized job training

Recommendation #154
FCC Chapter: 13.5

Status: In progress

The Department of Labor (DOL) should accelerate and expand efforts to create a robust online platform that delivers virtual employment assistance programs and facilitates individualized job training.

Bolster entrepreneurial development programs with broadband tools and training

Recommendation #153
FCC Chapter: 13.4

Status: Started

Congress should consider additional funds for the Economic Development Administration to bolster entrepreneurial development programs with broadband tools and training.

Develop a public-private partnership to provide technology training and tools for small businesses in low-income areas

Recommendation #152
FCC Chapter: 13.3

Status: In progress

The government should develop a public-private partnership to provide technology training and tools for small disadvantaged businesses and small and medium enterprises in low-income areas.