Broadband crisis? Not yet.

[Commentary] Broadband crisis? What broadband crisis? We're still number two in total broadband users. Can this be improved? Absolutely. Will the proposed broadband stimulus bill make a significant difference? Not likely. The problem with this bill is the vagueness of its goal. The bill never states that the intent is to provide 100 percent broadband availability. Although the bill throws out speed requirements for basic and advanced broadband, it never states that the goal is to make sure that all broadband subscribers have at least basic (5Mbps/1Mbps) broadband, or that x percent will receive advanced (45Mbps/15Mbps) broadband. In addition, the bill never sets a timeline in order to measure progress. The other major missing piece is the fact that this bill offers nothing to increase demand, address affordability or digital literacy. All critical components that are necessary for operators to successfully invest and maintain broadband infrastructure.