[opendtv] (no subject)
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:29:28 -0600
The reaction of TV Technology to the "working recommendations" of the FCC
broadband plan sort of mirror my own. The TV Technology article is copied below.
The URL to the FCC viewgraph report is:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-296353A1.pdf
I guess I don't understand the whole process. My aproach would have been to
create a plan for deploying broadband nationwide, to whatever level of service
the FCC defines as legitimate for "broadband." Instead, the FCC is getting into
what looks more like a sales pitch extolling the advantages of broadband in a
lot of different industries.
If Congress wants the FCC to develop a broadband PLAN, presumably Congress
already knows that broadband is a good thing to have. They didn't ask the FCC
to develop possible ways that broadband could be helpful, they asked for an
implementation plan. At least, that's the way I read it.
Bert
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http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/94964
FCC Unveils Broadband Plan 'Working Recommendations'
02.19.2010.
Touting a sunny future of better living through universal broadband access, the
FCC released "working recommendations" on how to make the best of broadband to
transform healthcare, education, energy and the environment, government, public
safety and homeland security, job training and small business.
FCC Commissioners released the recommendations at their monthly meeting
Thursday (Feb. 18). The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the "Stimulus
Bill") has called for a Broadband Plan from the commission by March 17.
So far, the plan is a whole lot of big wishes and broad policy goals,
identifying the areas where technology could transform the economy and society.
"Broadband can help the country achieve better results in important areas by
facilitating the flow of information; removing barriers of time and space; and
making data accessible for research, applications, and decision-making, all
while protecting privacy," the commission said in a statement accompanying the
recommendations.
Here is the initial outline of the recommendations, with more detail to be
released later:
PROVIDING JOBS AND CREATING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
* Challenge: The current job training system is fragmented and difficult to
expand or contract to accommodate changing demands for service.
* Solutions: Accelerate efforts to deliver employment assistance, including job
training and placement services, on a scalable online platform.
* Challenge: Small businesses are less likely to use broadband to increase
productivity.
* Solutions: Launch public-private partnership to expand efforts to provide
technology training for small and disadvantaged businesses.
IMPROVING HEALTHCARE AND CONTROLLING COSTS
* Challenge: Remote monitoring of vital signs and electronic health records
could save $700 billion over 15-25 years, but the U.S. lags in health IT
adoption.
* Solutions: Create conditions for broader adoption and innovation in e-care
technologies; reduce regulatory barriers to increase access to care.
* Challenge: Many healthcare providers lack broadband connections or pay high
prices.
* Solutions: Ensure all providers have access to affordable broadband by
transforming the Rural Health Care Program to subsidize both ongoing costs and
network deployment, while expanding the definition of eligible providers.
PROVIDING MORE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND IMPROVING OUTCOMES
* Challenge: While 97 percent of public elementary and secondary schools have
Internet access, speeds are insufficient.
* Solution: Upgrade E-rate program to provide additional connectivity,
flexibility and efficiency.
* Challenge: Online learning can reduce time required to learn by half and
increase course completion rates, but there are barriers to wider adoption.
* Solutions: Remove regulatory barriers to online learning; increase supply of
digital content and online learning systems; promote digital literacy for
students and teachers.
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