Implementing the National Broadband Plan | Issues

Video Device Competition

On April 21, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission released a Notice of Inquiry that seeks to better serve the goals of Congress in creating a competitive retail market for navigation devices for use with multichannel video programming distributors (MVPD).

FCC Seeks Comment on SamKnows Broadband Testing and Measurement

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking public input on the methodology SamKnows proposes to adopt to put more information in the hands of broadband consumers, promote meaningful competition, and generate more and better consumer choices.

Comment due date: 05/04/2010

Allow federal agencies to set the fees for access to federal rights-of-way on a management and cost recovery basis

Recommendation #54
FCC Chapter: 6.9

Status: Completed

Congress should consider expressly authorizing federal agencies to set the fees for access to federal rights-of-way on a management and cost recovery basis.

Congress should consider "dig once" legislation

Recommendation #53
FCC Chapter: 6.8

Status: Started

Congress should consider enacting "dig once" legislation applying to all future federally funded projects along rights-of-way (including sewers, power transmission facilities, rail, pipelines, bridges, tunnels and roads).

Make federal financing of highway, road and bridge projects contingent on joint deployment of conduits by qualified parties

Recommendation #52
FCC Chapter: 6.7
The Department of Transportation should make federal financing of highway, road and bridge projects contingent on states and localities allowing joint deployment of conduits by qualified parties.

Establish a joint task force for rates, terms and conditions for access to public rights-of-way

Recommendation #51
FCC Chapter: 6.6

Status: In progress

The Federal Communications Commission should establish a joint task force with state, Tribal and local policymakers to craft guidelines for rates, terms and conditions for access to public rights-of-way.

Harmonize access policy for all poles, ducts, conduits and rights-of-way

Recommendation #50
FCC Chapter: 6.5

Status: In progress

Congress should consider amending Section 224 of the Act to establish a harmonized access policy for all poles, ducts, conduits and rights-of-way.

Improve the collection and availability of information regarding poles, ducts, conduits and rights-of-way

Recommendation #49
FCC Chapter: 6.4

Status: In progress

The Federal Communications Commission should improve the collection and availability of information regarding the location and availability of poles, ducts, conduits and rights-of-way.

Establish a comprehensive timeline for infrastructure access and dispute resolution

Recommendation #48
FCC Chapter: 6.3

Status: Completed

The Federal Communications Commission should establish a comprehensive timeline for each step of the Section 224 access process and reform the process for resolving disputes regarding infrastructure access.

Implement rules that will lower the cost of the pole attachment "make-ready" process

Recommendation #47
FCC Chapter: 6.2

Status: Completed

The Federal Communications Commission should implement rules that will lower the cost of the pole attachment "make-ready" process.