WASHINGTON, DC - The Communications and Technology Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), today held a hearing examining the challenges and opportunities to achieve nationwide broadband coverage.
Access to broadband is a critical component of the 21st century economy. #SubCommTech examined the accuracy of the data collection efforts when it comes to reaching unserved or underserved areas of the country, as well as the robustness of available technologies.
#SubCommTech Chair Blackburn Delivers Her Opening Statement
“Broadband is the infrastructure challenge of this decade and the ‘digital divide’ continues to plague rural America in particular," said Chairman Blackburn. “We must be good stewards of taxpayer money by ensuring that there is access to accurate data so that areas with the greatest need for broadband services are targeted by public and private investments. Those who do not learn from the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them."
Mr. Doug Brake, Senior Telecommunications Policy Analyst at the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, discussed the importance of connecting those truly in need of broadband access first, commenting, “When faced with the question of where to direct federal support dollars, policymakers have three high-level options: give access to those who have none - connect the truly unserved. Increase speeds of existing networks. Support an additional competitor, giving consumers choice. Priority should be given in that order, focusing on the truly unserved…"
Mr. Brent Legg, Vice President of Government Affairs at Connected Nation, outlined three suggestions for future mapping efforts, stating, “First, any future mapping effort must prioritize the accuracy and granularity of the maps themselves to ensure that the nation’s broadband landscape is fully understood at the street address or parcel level of detail…Second, that level of granularity requires the protection of providers’ proprietary and confidential information… Third, any future mapping effort must be premised on a uniform reporting mechanism to eliminate inconsistencies in state-by-state reporting."
Bryan Darr, CEO at Mosaik, spoke to the important role the private sector will play in broadband deployment, commenting, “When measuring the availability of broadband to consumers, the policymakers should take into account all sources - especially as providers embrace newer technologies to improve network quality… When government agencies embrace the capabilities of private companies instead of competing with them, taxpayers can spend less money and benefit from sound policymaking based on more accurate and timely data about network coverage and performance. Let’s make sure we use the best of what the private sector has to offer."
Chairman Walden Delivers His Opening Statement
“People in most remote parts of Oregon and unserved parts of the country would tell you they’d be happy with just about any level of high-speed internet service, they just want to be connected," concluded full committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR). “Without the best data available, we will continue to leave rural areas behind. What we’ve unfortunately seen over the years of debate on how to deliver fast, reliable internet access to all Americans, is that folks that need it most often get lost in the rush to dole out government funds. Let’s do it right this time. Let’s connect rural America to new economic opportunities and increase the quality of life in these communities."
A background memo, witness testimony, and an archived webcast can be found online HERE. See Also
* Defining and Mapping Broadband Coverage in America
