Open Access Fiber to Improve U.S. Internet Connectivity

Without a massive investment to build out the country’s open fiber infrastructure and a new set of rules to govern its use, the United States risks being left behind. Recommendations:

• The Accessible, Affordable Internet Act should be revised to make open access its central tenet. Instead of giving preference to open access projects for funding, as with the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP), open access should be made a requirement for funding. 
• The president should establish an Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth to issue a national strategy, track progress, and use all available funds and authorities. 
• The secretary of transportation should set a “dig once” mandate for federally funded highway projects.
• Use Commerce Department authorities to develop a complete picture of existing fiber networks.
• Fund independent efforts to monitor internet speed and quality.