Industry Presses the FCC to Keep Funding Broadband Growth

Despite problems with the wider U.S. economy, demand for broadband and consumer take rates for increasing speeds has not slowed. Industry organizations urged policies that will encourage continued investment in broadband networks to improve the competitive environment. The comments came in response to a request from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in preparation for a report it must file to Congress on the state of competition in the overall “communications marketplace,” including voice services, broadcast and broadband video/audio services, and data transmission. “At a time when inflation has become the norm, broadband is an outlier—prices continue to decline as speeds increase. More Americans are gaining access to broadband every day,” said USTelecom in its response to the FCC’s request for comments. “This growth can be further facilitated through policies that sustain the Universal Service Fund with an expanded contributions base, streamline or eliminate legacy obligations as appropriate, and encourage maximum participation by proven providers in broadband funding programs.”