FCC Seeks Feedback on Broadband Economic ImpactNovember 18, 2009
WASHINGTON:The Federal Communications Commission is now
soliciting information on the potential economic impact of a nationwide
broadband plan. The commission put forth a list of questions aimed at
businesses, nonprofits and economic development entities. The feedback will be
combined with the FCC’s existing dockets on its broadband plan, due to Congress
in February. The crux of the plan is to disseminate broadband access throughout
the country, particularly in rural areas that may not have it now.
Comments are sought, for example, on how libraries and other public centers are
used for broadband access, including the current rate of availability at
libraries, community colleges, unemployment offices and other public hubs.
Several questions are directed specifically at businesses, such as what type of
services are most often used, e.g., cable modems, DSL, satellite, FTTx, fixed
wireless or DIA, and if mobile wireless would be a “reasonable alternative.”
The FCC also wants to know what key applications are most critical to business
productivity, and what type of bitrates are necessary to use them.
Questions aimed at economic development agencies go to the importance of
broadband access in attracting new businesses, and therefore, jobs. The FCC
seeks to identify the minimum access necessary to attract new businesses and to
determine the importance of redundancy. Insights into how broadband could
foster federally funded social programs is also sought.
The FCC’s comment document is available on it’s Web site in .pdf form as NBP
Public Notice #18. The comment cycle begins Dec. 4. Comments can be filed online, and must refer to GN Docket
Nos. 09-47, 09-51 and 09-137, and titled “Comments--NBP Public Notice #18.”
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