NATOA Supports Big Broadband to Community Anchor Institutions

The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors tell the Federal Communications Commission that connecting anchor institutions, such as schools, libraries, hospitals, and community colleges, to fiber optics is essential to the success of a National Broadband Plan. NATOA believes that the FCC will find that anchor institution networks, which join health, education, public safety, and governmental buildings are critical to the expansion of broadband services to the unserved and underserved. These networks are uniquely positioned to give the communities they serve the full benefit of the externalities of broadband services. This is achieved at prices and levels of capacity that are not available from traditional commercial broadband providers in the same communities. NATOA believes that the Gates Foundation study is accurate and helpful