Press Release
Free Press Reacts to FCC's Broadband Data Order
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
At the Federal Communications Commission's "open meeting" today, the agency passed new rules that change how Internet service providers report data about their broadband services. The FCC also released an updated assessment of America's broadband marketplace.
S. Derek Turner, research director of Free Press and author several reports on U.S. broadband policies, made the following statement:
"Twelve years ago, Congress entrusted the FCC with the responsibility to ensure that affordable broadband service was deployed to all Americans. Though today's action indicates the FCC is finally starting to take their congressional mandate seriously, we need to see the fine print.
"Gathering meaningful broadband data is essential if we are serious about fixing America's broken broadband market. For too long, policymakers have stood idle as the promise of a competitive broadband marketplace dissolved into the current reality of a slow and expensive cable-telco duopoly.
"We are pleased that the FCC has recognized the inadequacies of its broadband data gathering practices and is taking action to improve it. However, we are troubled that the FCC used the inadequate data to conclude that Congress' broadband goals have been met. We are hopeful that the changes made today will enable a more accurate assessment of the U.S. broadband marketplace in future commission reports.
"Universal broadband is essential to maintaining our nation's economic health in the 21st century global digital economy. But until we have a national broadband strategy, the goal of universal, affordable high-speed Internet will remain elusive."
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Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
S. Derek Turner, research director of Free Press and author several reports on U.S. broadband policies, made the following statement:
"Twelve years ago, Congress entrusted the FCC with the responsibility to ensure that affordable broadband service was deployed to all Americans. Though today's action indicates the FCC is finally starting to take their congressional mandate seriously, we need to see the fine print.
"Gathering meaningful broadband data is essential if we are serious about fixing America's broken broadband market. For too long, policymakers have stood idle as the promise of a competitive broadband marketplace dissolved into the current reality of a slow and expensive cable-telco duopoly.
"We are pleased that the FCC has recognized the inadequacies of its broadband data gathering practices and is taking action to improve it. However, we are troubled that the FCC used the inadequate data to conclude that Congress' broadband goals have been met. We are hopeful that the changes made today will enable a more accurate assessment of the U.S. broadband marketplace in future commission reports.
"Universal broadband is essential to maintaining our nation's economic health in the 21st century global digital economy. But until we have a national broadband strategy, the goal of universal, affordable high-speed Internet will remain elusive."
###
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
