FCC Releases Working Recommendations for Upcoming National Broadband Plan

The FCC recently released working recommendations for key priorities that will be part of next month's unveiling of the National Broadband Plan. The recommendations are meant to bring greater high-speed Internet availability to the health care, education, and energy sectors, and move the federal government into a new era of engagement and transparency.

In his opening remarks, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski called the broadband initiative part of a "national purpose" and outlined its vital role in advancing the United States in key societal goals in areas such as public safety, government reliability, small business opportunity.

The following working recommendations will be detailed further in next month's plan:

• Better equip individuals for the job market by ensuring broadband availability and expanded online job training.
• Control health care costs by encouraging e-care technology and providing for affordable broadband health care programs to subsidize development in rural areas.
• Upgrade the E-rate program - a subsidy meant to bring public schools faster Internet - and increase availability of online learning and other digital content.
• Ensure that broadband is fully integrated into the emerging smart energy grid.
• Transition to next generation 9-1-1 networks that use high-speed Internet and other emerging technologies to help first responders pinpoint the exact location of those who need help.

The National Broadband plan seeks to foster innovative approaches to our nation's greatest challenges. Broadband can help the country achieve better results by facilitating a free flow of information and breaking down barriers that have fostered the growth of the digital divide.

The FCC is scheduled to release the plan to Congress on March 17, 2010.

Broadband Plan's Working Recommendations for Key National Priorities Unveiled (FCC)

Prepared Remarks on National Broadband Plan (FCC)