High Stakes in FCC's Proposed Broadband Plan

The FCC is scheduled to present its National Broadband Plan next month to Congress - and the stakes could not be higher.

The Chairman of the Alliance for Digital Equality - a Speed Matters partner - Julius Hollis wrote last week about the need for a measured approach to ensure all Americans have access to fast and readily accessible broadband Internet.

"These services are a lifeline, particularly for our underclass. America's low-income communities cannot afford to be further disadvantaged as a result of a lack of the benefits that the digital future promises," said Hollis in an opinion piece on the FCC's plan.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski agrees. At a FCC meeting earlier this month, Genachowski said:

"The National Broadband Plan is operating based upon a vision of A future in which kids in poor neighborhoods, living in rural towns or city apartments, can access the best teachers in the world in their classrooms, and access up-to-date e-textbooks and high-quality tutoring in their homes."

While broadly supporting the goal of improved Internet access for the nation's poor and rural communities, Hollis also noted the importance of considering required costs. The FCC has estimated that $350 billion is required to achieve universal broadband access.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus called on the FCC to renew its commitment to principles that have historically driven technological development, including private investment and competition.

The FCC is expected to release its report to Congress on March 16, 2010.

Julius H. Hollis: Lighting Up the Lines on the Administration’s Internet Plan (Huffington Post)

Chairman Julius Genachowski Prepared Remarks on National Broadband Plan (FCC)