FCC moving toward National Broadband
The Federal Communications Commission said today that it has taken the first step toward developing a National Broadband plan to ensure that all Americans have access to high-speed Internet connections.
A CNET report notes, however, that the process could get bogged down by special interest groups who may use the opportunity to push their agendas on topics such as Net Neutrality. The FCC’s announcement today calls for input from “all stakeholders: consumers, industry, large and small businesses, non-profits, the disabilities community, governments at the federal, state, local and tribal levels, and all other interested parties.”
That’s a pretty big task and I can only imagine the amount of input the agency will receive – making the Feb. 17, 2010 deadline set by Congress that much more challenging. Still, it’s an important step for the nation. Internet access should be treated more like a utility – just like landline telephones and electricity – now that even government agencies send people to their Web sites to do things like process claims, request information or download forms.
via FCC takes first step toward National Broadband plan | Between the Lines | ZDNet.com .
