The FCC is expected to release a report concluding that high speed Internet access is not being deployed quickly enough. In a study that could be released as early as today, the FCC is expected to point out that millions of Americans still do not have high speed broadband access, according to various news reports.
The following statement can be attributed to Computer & Communications Industry Association Vice President Cathy Sloan:
“For years the nation that invented the Internet has been falling behind as high speed Internet access became more ubiquitous in other countries. Having a government report that outlines the extent of the problem including the numbers of people left behind and the lack of competition in the wireline broadband market is a key step toward a solution.
“High speed Internet access brings economic opportunities and jobs. It’s not fair for government to stand by as dominant carriers do what’s in their parochial business interest without someone taking a stand for the interests of the 14 o 24 million Americans without broadband and implementing a comprehensive plan to fill in the gaps.
“We know that an honest reality check on an issue like this is bound to cause some political backlash from those that benefit from scarcity and the status quo, but it is long overdue. It took federal government leadership to bring everyone electricity, highways and telephone service. There’s no reason critical broadband structure should be any different.”