Accelerating the Great Broadband Migration

[Commentary] We’re number 2! We’re number 2! China has now topped the United States in total number of broadband subscribers and its growth rate in this field doubles ours. In the U. S., we’re not used to being the runner-up. But when it comes to the Internet, we've become an “also ran” on the international scene. We now rank 15th out of 30 developed nations in per capita broadband penetration. Years ago, Congress decided that the U.S. should promote the continued development of the Internet and required the Federal Communications Commission to encourage the deployment of broadband to all Americans. On June 2, the Benton Foundation offered the FCC a comprehensive, equitable plan to make universal, affordable broadband in the U.S. a reality. I believe the FCC must redirect a web of traditional phone subsidies into funding the extension of digital broadband to everyone in the country. It is not only achievable and worthwhile; it is required by law. The migration from analog phone service to digital broadband could enable incredible consumer benefits. The availability of the Internet has already had a profound impact on American life: it has fundamentally changed the way we communicate. But to enjoy the potential of this powerful medium, we must ensure that it reaches us all affordably. The FCC has the authority to accelerate the broadband migration and it must act immediately to ensure we don't fall farther behind the rest of the world.
http://benton.org/node/11523