As the FCC is developing ideas to boost high speed broadband deployment and adoption, there’s a new initiative on the horizon that may dovetail well with the National Broadband Plan. A tech company, Google, not a traditional land-line service provider, has announced plans today to build and test ultra-high speed broadband networks in a few trial locations that are yet to be announced. Google put out a request for information on its blog Wednesday to identify interested communities.
The following comments may be attributed to Computer & Communications Industry Association President & CEO Ed Black:
“While this is only an initial step, having the possibility of new, non-government subsidized entry into the market of last mile broadband access is good news for competition and all Internet users. We have been locked in a rut for too long about how we expand broadband deployment. Some experimentation and new thinking by truly innovative companies, not just legacy providers, is long overdue and welcome.”
“The promise that this new Internet capability would operate committed to robust net neutrality and open access rules is significant. It demonstrates that investment in bringing the Internet to more people does not require compromising the Internet’s historic commitment to freedom and openness. Continued investment in broadband infrastructure does not require ending the open access and neutral principles that have allowed content to compete on its merits and new applications and innovations to thrive.
“We’re optimistic this proposal can help break through the lengthy debate over broadband deployment and offer new ways to get high speed broadband to unserved and poorly served areas more quickly and economically. While that can have an immediate impact on the communities that are part of the test, what may be discovered through this planned build out can help provide ideas to boost broadband deployment elsewhere. Our industry has learned that higher speed deployment also helps create a platform that stimulates the next generation of innovators to get to work at a time our economy needs it.”
For more information on CCIA and the National Broadband Plan, click here