So once again, push comes to shove, in spite of the predictably idiotic
rhetoric from the extremist yahoos (including within this FCC), public funds
have to be expended to expand the coverage of broadband. And more importantly,
once again, in spite of the predictably idiotic rhetoric from those same
yahoos, Title II doesn't even play a part in any of this. Not credibly. Not
except in the formula-speak:
"Cable/broadband operators also wanted to make the point that generally
speaking broadband infrastructure is in great shape, except where a businss
caes [sic] is lacking, which is where the government needs to step in in a
targeted way."
Thank you, ex-entertainment providers and now telecom plus entertainment
providers. With Title II in place for your telecom role, you made about all the
progress you could rationalize economically. Now, with or without Title II, you
need public funds to expand to places where the revenues don't make a business
case.
Please make that clear to the formula-thinking extremists that have infested
the FCC? Whether you like the responsibilities that come with providing telecom
service or not, those responsibilities do not appear to be the make-or-break
decision point, for expansion of service. What you are saying appears to be,
with no stipulations in respect to Title II, "Please give us taxpayer
contributions and we will expand our coverage to areas where the business case
isn't."
The current FCC Chairman goes off, half-cocked, on the basis of pure
demagoguery, spouting his familiar slogans, even when they clearly don't apply.
In this ridiculously partisan climate, where morons on both sides find it
difficult to think, the extremist yahoos at the FCC seem pleased with this WH
initiative, and the lefties are (at least so far) silent. And yet, if anything
is true, it is that the WH plan is much as Obama would do.
Bert
-------------------------------------------------------
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/washington/president-fleshes-out-infrastructure-plan/171737
Washington
Feb 12, 2018 01:34 PM ET
President Fleshes Out Infrastructure Plan
Rural broadband gets cut of $50 billion in rural seed money
By John Eggerton
Republicans and some industry players were lining up to praise President
Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan, which the White House
fleshed out Monday (Feb. 12).
The plan is to allocate $200 billion in direct federal funding, which the White
House said will translate to $1.5 trillion in state, local, Tribal and private
infrastructure investment. A quarter of that direct funding will go to rural
infrastructure, including broadband.
The majority of that $50 billion (80%) will go to state governors in the form
of block grants. The rest goes to rural performance grants; states could apply
for those. One of the evaluation criteria for the grants would be "increased
broadband availability and investment."
In addition, a new category of "rural broadband service facilities" would be
added to the list of projects that could be financed with tax-exempt bonds.
"Too often, regulatory barriers make it harder and more expensive to build out
broadband than it needs to be - to the detriment of American consumers," said
FCC chair Ajit Pai in a statement. "That's why this plan is a welcome and
strong call to action. I stand ready to work with the administration and
Congress to turn this plan into a reality as we continue to bridge the digital
divide and extend 5G digital opportunity to all Americans."
"To win the global race to 5G, we must fundamentally reform our infrastructure
deployment rules. It is great to see the Administration's infrastructure plan
put a priority on efforts that would expedite deployment," said Republican FCC
Commissioner Brendan Carr. "We must ensure that our regulatory structures are
5G Ready."
"ACA applauds President Donald J. Trump for proposing an infrastructure plan
that includes spending $50 billion to enhance infrastructure, including
broadband, in rural areas," said American Cable Association president Matt
Polka. "Ensuring all Americans have access to high-performance broadband is
important and requires government engagement at many levels. For instance, the
enactment of the recent tax law and the existing programs run by the FCC help.
And, it is essential that government focus on removing the many barriers that
discourage private investment in broadband.
"But, even with these efforts, some areas will remain unserved, and the only
way to deliver broadband to them is with the assistance of direct government
subsidies," Polka added. "We are pleased that the president's plan recognizes
this fact and sets aside money that can be used by the states for this
purpose..."
Cable/broadband operators also wanted to make the point that generally speaking
broadband infrastructure is in great shape, except where a businss caes is
lacking, which is where the government needs to step in in a targeted way.
"As the nation's leading broadband industry, we applaud the Administration's
proposal to invest in new infrastructure - including the potential to expand
broadband to unserved homes in rural communities - that can support a growing
economy and provide new opportunities for all Americans," said NCTA-The
Internet & Television Association. "Unlike our congested roads, crumbling
bridges and failing power grid, our nation's broadband infrastructure is an
American success story which powers an internet economy that is second to none.
American consumers have witnessed enormous advances in the speed and reach of
wired and wireless internet networks, driven by $1.5 trillion in private
investment over the last 20 years. Today, 85 percent of U.S. homes can have
access to internet speeds of 300 Mbps or faster, including gigabit offerings in
hundreds of urban and rural communities.
"Despite this remarkable progress, there are still some parts of the country -
most often in less dense, geographically remote areas - where market forces
alone haven't been able to connect all homes. That is why we welcome the
Administration's efforts to reduce barriers to investment in rural America and
stand ready to work with Congress and federal agencies on ways to induce more
rural investment and promote greater efficiency and accountability in
government broadband programs. Most importantly, any funding should be
dedicated to connecting those homes without any access to broadband. It should
be a national imperative to connect the unserved so that all Americans can
enjoy the benefits of this technology."
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, said:
"Through this guidance and letting Congress have the opportunity to write
bipartisan legislation, President Trump has offered us direction to meet
infrastructure needs in our nation's states, cities, and rural communities.
Aligning federal infrastructure funding with local priorities and looking at
other impediments to building would increase accountability and help us meet
our most critical infrastructure needs faster. I look forward to working with
my ranking member, Sen. Nelson, and other colleagues on both sides of the aisle
to discuss and incorporate their ideas and priorities into legislation."
USTelecom CEO Jonathan Spalter said: "Closing the digital divide, particularly
in our nation's most difficult to reach rural areas, requires dedicated and
adequate capital - both financial and political. Broadband providers have
invested more than $1.6 trillion over the past 20 years to connect our
communities, but significant, direct support from the federal government is
critical to bringing broadband's benefits to all. USTelecom is determined to
work with Congress and the Administration on getting our 21st century
infrastructure priorities right, including dedicated funding to ensure
broadband connectivity for all Americans."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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