FCC Unveils Broadband "National Priorities" Recommendations

Working recommendations meant to bring the innovative force of broadband to healthcare, education, energy and the environment, government, public safety and homeland security, job training, and small business were unveiled February 18 at a meeting of the Federal Communications Commission. The team developing the National Broadband Plan highlighted elements under consideration in the "national purposes" section of the plan. The working recommendations are designed to support America's competitive advantages in key sectors of the economy and society. Key themes include using broadband to foster innovative approaches to intractable problems. Broadband can help the country achieve better results in important areas by facilitating the flow of information; removing barriers of time and space; and making data accessible for research, applications, and decision-making, all while protecting privacy.