Statement on the National Broadband Plan

For Immediate Release
March 16, 2010
Contact: Eric London

This statement is by Markham Erickson, Executive Director, OIC:

“We have seen great strides in the first decade of broadband Internet, but far many Americans are still not part of the broadband revolution. Despite our global reputation as a technology leader, we have fallen behind in the race with our economic competitors, ranking 12th in broadband penetration and 15th in speed. Nearly 40 percent of homes don’t have broadband, and over ten percent of rural consumers don’t even have any access to broadband of any speed or quality. The claims of a successful and well-functioning broadband marketplace by the large network providers are not borne out by these statistics.

“This comprehensive plan recognizes that broadband Internet is the essential economic infrastructure of the 21st century, and that previous hands-off policies have been unsuccessful in developing this important national asset. Government must play an important role in ensuring that all Americans gain access to fast, affordable broadband. The three most important metrics by which to judge the plan are what it does to improve broadband affordability, accessibility, and speed. We will be looking closely at the plan to see how it measures against these benchmarks.

“There are also aspects of the plan that need further clarification and thinking. We view this plan as the start of an important discussion. We look forward to participating in it. “The plan lays out four key areas where we need policies to address this challenge, and provides many productive recommendations for their implementation. We urge Congress to support the FCC in the heavy lifting it will take to ensure we can do more than just play catch up to our global competitors, but can pass them. “

About the Open Internet Coalition: The Open Internet Coalition (openinternetcoalition.com) represents consumers, grassroots organizations, and businesses working in pursuit of a shared goal: keeping the Internet fast, open and accessible to all Americans.