FCC Seeks Input on Broadband Clearinghouse

Several parties have suggested that a broadband clearinghouse should be created for easy access to broadband best practices. A broadband clearinghouse could reduce information barriers for municipalities, agencies, businesses, and non-profits that want insights into more effectively utilizing broadband infrastructure, or into broadband deployment or adoption projects. Such a clearinghouse could also provide information and a forum for scholars and policymakers to gather and contribute data. So the Federal Communications Commission, as part of the National Broadband Plan, is asking for targeted comment on the notion of a broadband clearinghouse. 1) Should the federal government, through either the Federal Communications Commission, or through another governmental entity, initiate or create a national broadband clearinghouse of best practices? If the federal government should not create such a clearinghouse, should a non-governmental entity create one? 2) What audiences would benefit most from a clearinghouse? 3) How could a clearinghouse be of most use to its users generally? 4) Who should maintain this clearinghouse? Comments are due November 16.