CWA calls for broadband goal of 50 mbps downstream and 20 upstream by 2015

CWA used the FCC's last request for public comment before the release of the national broadband plan to issue a public notice laying out what they consider to be top priorities for the plan.

In the notice, CWA commends the Federal Communications Commission for moving forward on its national broadband plan and recommends several specific proposals, including but not limited to:

• Develop a transition plan that protects consumers and workers in the IP world.
• Launch an inquiry into employment in the communications industry and explore policy options to create and maintain good jobs.
• Close the digital divide by ensuring that most people in the United States have access and competitive choices for high-speed broadband.
• Bring U.S. networks to world-class standards by setting ambitious, but achievable goals, with an immediate goal of 10 megabits per second downstream and 1 megabit per second up; and 50 megabits down and 20 up to 80 percent of the population by 2015.
• Implement broadband truth-in-labeling that provides consumers with information about actual and advertised speeds, reliability, latency, price, fees, traffic management policies, service limits and guarantees, legal and privacy policies, and contract terms.
• The FCC and government agencies should include a speed test on websites for consumers and data collection on actual speeds.
• Reform the Universal Service Fund to support broadband in rural areas and subsidies to low-income households.
• Ensure E-Rate program of subsidies to schools, libraries, and rural health centers and support network upgrades to provide minimum speeds to these institutions.
• Establish a national Digital Ambassadors community-based digital outreach and literacy program.
• Promote no child offline with a national program of subsidized computer distribution to low-income families with children.
• Encourage and leverage public programs to promote broadband solutions to meet the nation's challenges in health care, education, job training, energy conservation, economic development, civic engagement, public safety and cyber security, among others.

The FCC's National Broadband Plan will be presented to Congress in March in accordance with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Reply Comments NBP Public Notice #30 (CWA)