Last fall, the FCC created a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to look into ways the Commission could enhance innovation, create jobs, and increase competition in broadband deployment. Monday, the TAC released a initial report that included 8 specific recommendations.
1. "Recognize" those municipalities that have expedited broadband deployment
2. Ask the White House to order the approval process to work faster.
3. Use the FCC's "leadership pulpit" to ask states to streamline their approval process
4. Offer workshops on new ways to deploy broadband
5. Create a website with content promoting deployment that local governments could stick their name on to make it look like they're actually doing something productive.
6. To redefine how we measure broadband deployment so it looks like we're deploying faster
7. Try to scare people by highlighting concerns that some devices might not work with newer systems
8. Work with other federal agencies to encourage deployment, say by putting cell and wifi towers on federal buildings and offices..
I have to say, "Wow!! What great suggestions! Praising some folks, scaring others, and creating promotional materials and "workshops" is sure going to help clear all the regulatory hurdles, raise all the capital, expand demand, and create all the technology needed for broadband deployment." Good thing they included #6 - let's forget about actual deployment and change meanings so we can claim faster and more complete deployment. As for #2, good luck in getting a White House that has delighted in adding regulatory hurdles in almost every other area to take seriously a suggestion to reduce and streamline regulatory oversight. They might mouth the words, but action is likely to go the other way.
But what do you expect from a government commission? Actual practical suggestions that might work?
Source: "Technical Advisory Committee: Eight easy ways the FCC can help fuel broadband deployment," Connected Planet.
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