FCC Launches Analysis of Business Broadband Marketplace

Calls it 'next step' in advancing small business broadband agenda

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/15/2010 4:20:21 PM

The FCC is issuing a public notice to "improve the FCC's understanding of business broadband needs," calling it the "next step" advancing the FCC's small business broadband agenda.

It is also the agenda of the Obama administration. Vice President Joe Biden has been something of an evangelist for the power of broadband to turn small businesses into global ones, in the process creating and saving jobs and boosting competitiveness.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced the notice in a speech Tuesday to a meeting with eBay's top online sellers.

"America's small businesses need fast, affordable broadband access to compete globally, create jobs, and operate more effectively," said Genachowski. "This important step will enable the FCC to analyze the broadband business marketplace with the goal of ensuring that small businesses realize the maximum benefits of broadband services and competition."