Tis the Season (for broadband buildout)

 By Carl Ford

Looking back on 2008 and its personal impact, I can safely say it was the worst year ever for me.  And yet, even in this winter of discontent, I have hope for a new broadband policy that enables new entrants and focuses on delivering high-speed Internet services throughout the country.

Jim Baller and Casey Lide have been working hard to form the U.S. Broadband Coalition (see http://bb4us.net/index.html) with the noble goal of having associations and companies agree to a common framework for measurable delivery of national broadband services.

To join the effort, a call to action must be agreed upon that includes a commitment to participate in the forum and attest to: "The undersigned, representing a diverse array of America's communications providers, high technology companies, manufacturers, consumers, labor unions, public interest groups, educators, state and local governments, utilities, content creators, foundations, and many other stakeholders in America's broadband future, call on President-elect Barack Obama and the next Congress to make the development and initial implementation of a comprehensive National Broadband Strategy a high national priority in 2009. "

The declaration then makes broadband more important then any bailout strategy with the statement that innovation, economic growth, job creation, educational opportunity and global competitiveness, and several other benefits are at stake. Then the declaration points out that we, the country that started the Internet, has fallen behind.  And then they set forth these goals.

a) Every American home, business, and public and private institution should have access to affordable high‑speed broadband connections to the Internet.

b) Access to the Internet should, to the maximum feasible extent, be open to all users, service providers, content providers and application providers.

c) Network operators must have the right to manage their networks responsibly, pursuant to clear and workable guidelines and standards.

d) The Internet and broadband marketplace should be as competitive as reasonably possible.

e) U.S. broadband networks should provide Americans with the network performance, capacity and connections they need to compete successfully in the global marketplace.

With these goals in mind they have put together a framework that aims to stimulate accountability, adoption, assessment and investment. Their goal is to present their efforts sometime in the spring of 2009.

I can also point out the FCC's decision on White Space as a highlight. The Wireless Innovation Forum, with Rick Whitt from Google and other representatives from companies like Dell, Microsoft and Motorola, deserves credit here.

Tom Evslin sees this as being popular in urban areas, but I speculate that adoption by local broadcasters (either TV or Radio) in rural areas could be more competitive strategically with the support local online advertising.

While I may sound like a U.S.-Centric "homer," I have also been hopeful for policies in countries around the world, including India. 

As the season gives us lessons of endurance, renewal and hope, I wish you all peace on earth and good will to mankind.