NATOA, NACO File Comments Discussing Rural Broadband Strategy
March 25, 2009 4:26 PM
NATOA, joined by the National Association of Counties (NACo), has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission discussing issues the Commission should consider in crafting a rural broadband strategy.
The comments stress the need for top level coordination of Cabinet level and independent federal agencies that have programs that can be used to help spur broadband deployment to rural Americans. The comments also urge agencies to look for ways to streamline application processes and public databases so that information regarding applicants and recipients is readily accessible. In terms of generating data as to the reach of broadband, the comments suggest that any recipient of NTIA or RUS money under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act be required to disclose mapping information.
On the topic of network requirements, comments encourage establishing a connectivity floor, from which broadband networks should be scalable while offering as many connectivity options as possible. The comments also emphasize that while the ends of broadband connectivity may differ between urban, suburban, and rural areas, the means are all the same and require comparable networks regardless of location.
You can read the entire text of the comment here.