Acting on the National Broadband Plan would hurt rural areas,...
Acting on the National Broadband Plan would hurt rural areas, said Reps. Sam Graves, R-Mo., Betsy Markey, D-Colo., and 38 other House members. In a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowkski, the legislators said the plan “sets the United States…
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on a course toward a greater digital divide between urban and rural areas.” The plan sets a goal of 100 Mbps for 100 million by 2020, and a short-term goal of at least 4 Mbps through universal service. Having separate goals goes against the original intent of the Universal Service Fund, the legislators said. “Our grave concern is that implementing the NBP as recommended will not provide all Americans with adequate broadband service because it puts at risk the regulatory structure and support that rural communications providers need to maintain and expand their networks,” they said. “We request that you seriously consider these concerns and that you take the appropriate steps to modify the plan’s recommendations to ensure all Americans play a role in, and benefit from, the global communications leadership Congress envisioned this plan evoking.” Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., said earlier this month he’s writing a similar letter with colleagues in the Senate (WID May 19 p2). NTCA, the Western Telecommunications Alliance and the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies said Friday that they backed the House letter. The FCC declined to comment.