The usual banalities, but the important aspect is, the FCC definition of
broadband has been demoted? Used to be 25/3, now it appears to be 10/1. In
spite of what was recently claimed here:
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/washington/pai-sec-706-review-critics-create-mobileonly-challenge/170736
"In seeking comment on the next reports, Pai proposed considering other factors
in that determination, including asking whether the FCC's definition of
high-speed should be adjusted.
"But fans of the previous reports cried foul, and have been characterizing the
proposal as lowering the definition of high speed as 25 Megabits per second
downstream and 3 Mbps upstream.
"At a congressional hearing and in a letter to Congress, Pai downplayed
concerns about downsizing the high-speed benchmark, saying the letter that the
item 'clearly proposes to maintain the [25 Mbps downstream/4 mbps upstream]
standard.'"
Uuuuh, I guess not. Either the definition of broadband has changed, or when
taxpayers' money is involved, it changes. I would just say this. If taxpayers
are footing the bill, 10/1 is what you get, minimum. (IMO 10/1 is still
reasonably adequate, if not too many people share the connection. But why the
doubletalk?)
Bert
------------------------------------------
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2017/db1219/DOC-348332A1.pdf
Media Contact:
Mark Wigfield (202) 418-0253
mark.wigfield@xxxxxxx
For Immediate Release
FCC TAKES KEY STEP TOWARD AUCTION TO EXPAND RURAL BROADBAND ACCESS
--
WASHINGTON, December 19, 2017 - Continuing its push to expand access to
broadband in rural America, the Federal Communications Commission today
identified the locations of nearly 1 million homes and small businesses in 48
states that are eligible for up to $2 billion in support for broadband
deployment over the next decade.
Currently unserved by high speed Internet access, these locations are in
largely rural areas, where, absent support, carriers are unlikely to expand
service. Now, the FCC's Connect America Fund is preparing to distribute up to
$2 billion in support to companies that successfully compete in an innovative
auction to deploy robust broadband at the lowest cost in these unserved rural
areas across the country.
"Closing the digital divide is my number one priority, and through this
innovative Connect America Fund auction, we are poised to take the next big
step in reaching that goal," said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. "In rural America,
broadband opens the doors of opportunity by connecting remote communities to
global markets, jobs, education, health care and information."
The auction seeks to expand service to census blocks unserved by broadband
delivering speeds of 10 Mbps downloads/1 Mbps uploads. The auction's use of
competitive market forces maximizes the value the American people will receive
from the Connect America Fund by balancing deployment of higher-quality
services with cost efficiencies. The auction is set to launch in 2018.
Broadband access is essential in the 21st Century for jobs, education,
information and economic development. Since 2011, the FCC has targeted over $9
billion in support for rural broadband expansion to over 4 million homes and
small businesses from its Connect America Fund.
Map showing locations eligible for support:
https://www.fcc.gov/maps/caf2-auction-finalareas
Public Notice providing further details on auction:
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-17-1219A1.docx
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full
text of a Commission order
constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).
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