Principles for a Successful IP Transition: Speed

In replacing the public switched telephone network (PSTN), consumers need truly high speed networks with low-latency and jitter so that these networks are capable of fully supporting legacy PSTN services like faxing, modems, and text telephone (TTY) services that are sensitive to network quality. All stakeholders we spoke with agreed that people want fast networks. That said, the issue of equity when it comes to Internet speed is a strongly held value among many advocates. Their stance relies on language going all the way back to the 1934 Communications Act that addresses access to similar services no matter where subscribers reside. The issue is complicated, however, and technically challenging. Although progress is being made in increasing the speed of transporting data over wireless-based networks, most areas are still a work in progress. More and more people, led by communities of color, are relying on smartphones as their main connection to the Internet – most often because of cost. On top of that, rural areas will become increasingly dependent on the technology as people in remote areas see their old wired networks retired and replaced by wireless. Given that reality, how should the FCC proceed?