Last semester I participated in the Broadband Regulatory Clinic. In a stroke of luck for me, the Economic Stimulus Package’s Broadband Stimulus coincided with the timing of the class. Thus we worked together to research the history of Broadband Stimulus on the federal and state level as well as a few notable city government projects. The end result was a filing before the FCC with regard to what the definitions of broadband, served, underserved, and unserved should be with respect to FCC’s role in the broadband stimulus.
Yesterday was the deadline for the FCC’s Notice of Inquiry regarding a National Broadband Plan. As part of the stimulus package Congress required the FCC to come up with a National Broadband Plan. The FCC requested comments from the general public and 318 comments were filed. All of the top broadband providers had there say (Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, Time Warner, etc.) The FCC’s decisions in this matter will likely shape the broadband infrastructure of America for the foreseeable future. Thus it is vital that consumers voices are heard not just the broadband providers who stand to profit.
Replies to comments are due July 7th. I recommend you at least review the plan of one of the current providers. If you find it lacking file a short comment! Every voice is important.
For more information check out the discussions at Broadband Stimulus Exchange Home.
