Policy Options for a National Broadband Plan

The Federal Communications Commission's task force developing a National Broadband Plan presented the FCC's five commissioners with a range of policy options at the agencies monthly meeting Wednesday. A interim report delivered by the broadband team said the plan should build on the attributes of the American broadband ecosystem, with high aspirations but in a practical and sustainable way. Encouragement of competition will be a guiding principle of the plan, since competition drives innovation and provides consumer choice. Finding ways to better use existing assets, including Universal Service, rights-of-way, spectrum and others, will be essential to the success of the plan. The limited government funding that is available for broadband would be best used when leveraged with private sector investment. The plan may recommend changes in the law in some cases, but those changes should be limited in number, the task force said. The interim report focused on policy recommendations in ten key areas: Universal Service, infrastructure access, spectrum, Tribal lands, set-top boxes, consumer information, media, adoption of broadband, accessibility for people with disabilities, and public safety. Other areas that are to be addressed by the plan, including education, energy, health care, civic participation and others, will be addressed further in January. The plan is due to Congress by February 17, 2009.