GAO Outlines Broadband Initiatives Worldwide
A recent report that examined efforts to expand broadband access internationally can help determine pathways to improve the United States' own broadband initiatives. Published by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the report analyzed specific policy goals and their implementation in seven countries.
The GAO used Canada, France, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom - countries that have faced comparable barriers to broadband deployment, and were able to identify steps that resulted in marked improvements in broadband access.
In assessing the actions of these diverse countries, the GAO broke down their strategies into five action areas and highlighted the specific effects of each:
- Instituting plans and policies,
- Providing funds through public/private partnerships,
- Increasing competition,
- Expanding online services, and
- Providing digital literacy training, consumer subsidies, or both.
In many cases, these points aligned with the outlined goals of the National Broadband Plan, specifically regarding bridging the digital divide with government intervention, incentivizing adoption through training subsidies, and promoting expanded service through public/private partnerships.
The report acknowledges the need for integrated action by government at all levels and a role for the private sector to create and promote a broadband infrastructure that will reach the last 5 percent of U.S. households. Overall, the GAO report outlines over 200 recommendations for the FCC, Congress, and other government agencies.
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