FCC Broadband Plan: Complete Coverage

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/15/2010 3:39:41 PM

After some details started slipping out, the FCC eased an embargo on its long-awaited Broadband Plan on March 15, a day ahead of its scheduled unveiling at the commission's monthly public meeting and two days before its delivery to Congress.

Entitled Connect America: The National Broadband Plan (click here to download a PDF version), the plan calls for an ambitious refocus on broadband as the medium of choice for information delivery in the new millennium. That includes getting affordable broadband to everyone and high-speed access to at least 100 million households by 2020, including using half of broadcasters spectrum for wireless broadband by 2015.

It could also mean a national framework for taxing online goods and services, and getting a better handle on current broadband speeds and service by new standards and online metrics like dashboards.

Reaction from Washington ranged from cautious, wait-and-see optimism to enthusiastic shout-outs from some key congressfolk.

Follow B&C's complete coverage of the National Broadband Plan below:

President Obama Praises National Broadband Plan
President Obama joined the chorus of reaction to the FCC's official unveiling of its National Broadband Plan on March 16, saying it will provide the foundation for sustained prosperity.

FCC Broadband Plan: Markey Looking To Legislate Portions Of Report
Democratic congressman seeks to mandate elements of the plan

FCC Broadband Plan: NCTA Critiques Set-Top Statements
Says "gateway" set-top device worth studying, not mandating, CableCard fixes "misplaced"

FCC Broadband Plan: Clyburn Warns of Potential Diversity Harm from Spectrum Reclamation
Democratic Commissioner Mignon Clyburn voiced concern Tuesday over the potential loss of minority and women voices

McDowell: Cable Industry Already Working to Achieve 100 Million High Speed Service
Commissioner sounds note of caution against potential disincentives

Senate Commerce Committee to Hold Broadband Plan Hearing March 23
House Energy & Commerce sets March 25 date

FCC Broadband Plan: Reactions Pour In
Trade and interest groups, politicians weigh in on FCC broadband plan.

FCC Broadband Plan: House To Hold Hearing March 25
The House Communications & Internet Subcommittee will hold its "first" hearing on the national broadband plan March 25. All five FCC commissioners have been invited.

FCC Broadband Plan: Commission Sets 2015 Spectrum Deadline
Plan lays out clear timetable for broadcasters to clear off 120 MHz of spectrum, or about half their current allocation.

FCC Broadband Plan: Commission Wants Federal Approach To Taxing Digital Goods, Services
The FCC wants the federal government to look into establishing a "national framework" for taxing digital goods and services.

FCC Broadband Plan: Cable Industry Asked to Adopt Gateway Device to Replace Set-Tops
Broadband plan to call for CableCard fixes before open-standard move 

FCC Broadband Plan: Commission Proposes Getting Back 120 MHz From Broadcasters
Goal is to free up 300 MHz of spectrum within five years