"Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched an inquiry into whether "advanced telecommunications capability," or broadband, is being deployed to all Americans in a
reasonable and timely fashion. As broadband networks become vital
to the economy, healthcare, education, and other areas impacting the
American public, the Notice of Inquiry (NOI) adopted today will analyze
the various market, investment and technological trends of broadband
deployment.
In the NOI adopted today, the FCC seeks
information consistent with the framework utilized in past broadband
reports, including: (i) how the Commission should define advanced
telecommunications capability (ii) whether advanced telecommunications
capability is being deployed to all Americans (iii) whether the current
level of broadband deployment is reasonable and timely, and (iv) what
actions, if any, can be taken to accelerate broadband deployment.
Additionally, extending its analysis beyond
the framework of previous broadband reports, the FCC seeks to develop a
factual record on:
1. Trends in other nations and how America's
deployment of advanced telecommunications capability affects its role
in a global economy.
2. The availability of advanced telecommunications
capability in different market segments and areas of varying
densities.
3. The economic considerations that support the
deployment of advanced telecommunications capability.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 directed the
FCC to conduct regular inquiries concerning the availability of
advanced telecommunications capability, and report its findings to
Congress. Twice a year, the FCC gathers and publishes data about
deployment of, and subscription to, high-speed and advanced services
from facilities-based providers who have 250 or more high-speed service
lines or wireless channels in service in a state, using FCC Form
477. At the request of carriers submitting Form 477, the FCC does
not reveal individual company data.
As required by statute, the FCC will conclude this
NOI and issue its report to Congress within 180 days. -- Press
Release
