What Exactly is Unserved?

As the rules for the broadband stimulus plan get written, the concept of 'unserved' is receiving increased scrutiny. What's certain is that unserved territory, however it ends up being defined, will be a key determining factor in where a significant portion of the allocated $7.2 billion broadband stimulus money gets directed. "If there is no wireless broadband in a given area, we consider that area unserved," said Carolyn Brandon, Vice President of Policy at CTIA, on a panel at the recent Implementing the Broadband Stimulus workshop. But a wireline company with broadband facilities in that same territory would care to differ. Whatever the final definition, it appears that unserved will have a definite priority over underserved. Service providers who are interested in participating in the broadband stimulus program should start lining up and documenting their targeted unserved territory. While the stimulus plan has its critics, it does present a real opportunity for interested carriers to lay claim to unserved territory, fueling the expansion of their broadband footprints and enhancing their long term prospects.