FCC releases rural broadband report, Virginia unveils broadband maps

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) report on rural broadband strategy acknowledges that we do not have the data to determine precisely our rural broadband gaps. The state of Virginia is one of a dozen states to proactively tackle this challenge with comprehensive mapping.

Governor Kaine released the state's first broadband availability map, which displays the accessibility of high-speed Internet access in an easy to comprehend manner. Kaine described the impetus for the project:

"Affordable high-speed telecommunications services for all citizens are essential to Virginia's success in the 21st century economy. The data presented on [the broadband] map provides a baseline of broadband availability in the Commonwealth, and will guide our efforts to areas with the greatest need."

The map was a result of the efforts of the Broadband Roundtable, comprised of leaders from government, education, and business, including Speed Matters' Debbie Goldman.

The FCC report entitled, "Bringing Broadband to Rural America," was delivered to Congress at the end of May, complete with several recommendations to bring high-speed Internet to underserved and unserved parts of the United States.

FCC's Acting Chairman Michael Copps, the author of the report, is optimistic about the United States' commitment to expanding deployment and adoption of high-speed Internet services:

"Infrastructure deployment is something Americans do well; it plays to our national strengths. We have built out canals, bridges, electricity, telephone service, roads, and highways. Now, with much history to learn from and with an array of technological resources at our disposal, we can and will do it again."

Beyond expanded mapping of broadband availability, the report recommended improving coordination of rural broadband efforts, including all federal agencies working with broadband policy responsibilities, American Indian tribes, states, and minority, disability and low-income communities. The report also urged upgrades to government websites that promote broadband usage and standardizing program criteria.

The report discusses overcoming challenges to rural broadband deployment:

"Because the national broadband plan is not due until February 2010, it is prudent for the Commission to identify any pending and proposed Commission proceedings affecting rural broadband. These pending proceedings include universal service reform, network openness, spectrum access, middle mile/special access reform, intercarrier compensation, access to poles and rights of way, tower siting, and video programming proceedings. The Commission should consider all these proceedings as it develops the national broadband plan, balancing the desire to resolve these matters with the need to address rural broadband in the context of a much broader and forward-looking national broadband plan."

Bringing broadband to rural America: report on rural broadband strategy (FCC)

State broadband map released (Delmarva Media Group)

Governor Kaine releases broadband availability map (Commonwealth of Virginia)