Michael Copps at the Broadband Policy Summit

The question for us is: does America at the beginning of the 21st century become technologically stagnant or the leader of the Digital Age? For me, the answer to that question depends in some significant measure upon whether we succeed in bringing high-speed, high-value broadband and an open Internet to all Americans. And I always emphasize that word all: that means rural as well as urban folks; it means low-income as well as affluent; seniors as well as kids in school; those with disabilities; and those who live on tribal lands. It's a big challenge. So the need for bigger, fatter, more affordable broadband pipes is essential. The good news is that I think there is reason for some optimism. The communications sectors have led the economy out of the doldrums before and they can do it again. Having said that, industry cannot and should not be expected to do it alone. There is a partnership role for government to perform. But that road, down which America traveled so many times in the past, is the road not taken when it comes to broadband. We could begin with the federal government getting its act together. Point One: make sure all the departments of government are working together to encourage broadband deployment. The recent Farm Bill which was vetoed and then overridden by Congress makes something of a start. It requires the FCC in coordination with the Commerce Department to improve interagency coordination, look at how to improve current programs and develop a comprehensive rural broadband strategy. The government should build on this beyond just rural broadband and expand it for the whole country.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-282890A1.doc