House passes the Broadband Census of America Act

The House of Representatives has passed the Broadband Census of America Act of 2007, H.R. 3919, bringing the nation one stepcloser to universal high speed Internet access, and to accomplishing one of the goals of the Speed Matters campaign.
 
The bill changes how the Federal Communications Commission is required to report data on the number of Americans who are connected to high speed Internet. The FCC will now be required to report the number of residential and business high speed Internet subscribers per postal zip code. Previously, if any one person within a zip code was connected to high speed Internet, the FCC would report the entire zip code as being connected.

Additionally, the legislation directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to create an online, "consumer-friendly" map, which would display the types of high speed Internet available by area and provider.

"In order for our country to move forward to ensure that a 21st century Internet is available for all, we need better data to help us get there. This measure will greatly improve the quality of that information," said Communications Workers of America President Larry Cohen.

This is just one important victory in the larger, continuing effort for universal high speed Internet.

CWA: House Adopts Broadband Census Bill, Measure Moves Nation Closer to High Speed Internet for All (Press Release)
 
Mapping bill raises hope for quick action by Congress (Speed Matters)

House committee is unanimous: Speed matters (Speed Matters)