Broadband Plan of Attack is Evolving, Say Industry and Regulators

While the Federal Communications Commission is closing gaps in its broadband plan, "There's a heavy push to get from where we are to where we want to be in the next couple of months. I'd encourage anyone who has any input to get involved now," said Robert Curtis, director of deployment for the national broadband plan at the Federal Communications Commission. "There's evidence of a significant economic bottleneck, particularly between the second mile and middle mile. And there's a middle mile gap, particularly in rural areas, where we might have broadband available, but not everyone has access to it." Curtis added: "There's also a last mile gap in the wireless space, where we need a complete spectrum overhaul." Possible solutions might involve a number of strategies including satellite backhaul, microwave daisy chain towers, more municipal fiber and more effective fiber placement, Curtis said.