Goals for a National Broadband Plan

In developing a national broadband plan the Federal Communication Commission has an unprecedented opportunity to put in place polices that can both bring essential high-speed connectivity to those with limited or no access, and serve as the foundation for long-term broadband and technological innovation that can move the U.S. ahead in the 21st century.

For this to be a forward-looking national broadband plan it is critical that the Plan focus on the underlying infrastructures necessary to spur ubiquitous high-speed broadband; create innovative new mechanisms to drive adoption; encourage robust competition; and empower consumers and policymakers with fundamental information on the actual state of broadband in the US.

The FCC should adopt the following goals:

• achieve a rate of broadband adoption of world class networks equal to the current rate of telephone adoption by 2020,
• substantially improve the level of competition between providers of broadband Internet access to move the country out of a stagnant duoloply by 2020,
• establish real broadband consumer protection within 12-18 months, and
• adopt new broadband data collection standards in 2010.