For Third Consecutive Year, FCC Report Finds Broadband Deployment Lacking

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission released the results of its annual section 706 report finding – for the third consecutive year – that broadband services are not being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely manner.

Free Press Research Director S. Derek Turner made the following statement:

"Congress intended for everyone to have access to true broadband services that are robust enough for users to originate and receive high-quality voice and video services. We agree with the FCC's finding, and we urge the agency to use all the tools at its disposal to ensure everyone has access to the kind of competitive, robust broadband services Congress envisioned.

“Yet again, the data clearly shows that millions of people are not getting access in a reasonable and timely fashion, and probably never will  unless policymakers take this problem seriously.  It is simply not enough for the FCC to throw more consumer-funded subsidies at the giant companies that continue to fail to deliver on their promises.

“It is inexcusable that the United States continues to fall behind the broadband curve, and it’s time for the FCC to promote the kind of vigorous competition we need to make sure consumers have access to quality broadband services.”