NATOA Adopts Broadband Principles, Calls for National broadband Strategy

The National Association of Telecommunications Officer and Advisors, representing local communications and cable regulators, is calling for the immediate development of a National Broadband Strategy. NATOA has developed 10 broadband principles that outline the critical need for widespread deployment of next-generation broadband networks and necessary steps to achieve this goal. 1) Nationwide deployment of advanced broadband networks. 2) High capacity bandwidth in both directions. 3) Fiber to the premises is the preferred broadband option. 4) High capacity broadband connectivity must be affordable and widely accessible. 5) High capacity broadband requires open access networks. 6) Network neutrality is vital to the future of the Internet. 7) All networks and users have the right and obligation to non-discriminatory interconnection. 8) Local governments must be involved to ensure that local needs and interests are met. 9) Local governments must be allowed to build and operate broadband networks. 10) A variety of options must be considered to cover deployment costs.