Public Knowledge Praises National Broadband Plan

The Federal Communications Commission has produced a balanced, comprehensive and forward-looking plan that should serve the country well. The U.S. has long needed such a plan to keep pace with other countries, and this plan, if implemented, will accomplish that objective. We are particularly encouraged to see so much attention devoted to competition policies, which we believe will help to create new opportunities for innovators and new choices for consumers in what is now a tightly held duopoly. Specifically, we commend the Commission for undertaking a review of wholesale competition rules. An examination of special access rates should also be included under the plan, to provide relief for business customers and consumers from costs that could not be justified in a true competitive market.