Community Institutions Need Big broadband to Deliver 21st Century Services

This coalition of organizations urges the Federal Communications Commission to address the critical needs of community anchor institutions for high-capacity broadband connectivity in the National Broadband Plan. The group asks the FCC to consider:

1) Support the development of a "Unified Community Anchor Network" ("UCAN"), (a "network of networks" from which all anchor institutions who wish can receive high capacity broadband service);

2) Provide for additional funding for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act broadband programs through Congressional appropriations;

3) Establish ongoing funding support from the Universal Service Fund administered and maintain support for the anchor institutions currently benefiting from USF; and

4) Permit anchor institutions to collaborate freely to meet their needs without interference from restrictive legislation, rules and ordinances.