Today's broadband news
The Wireline Competition Bureau, in conjunction with the Rural Broadband Auctions Task Force and the Office of Economics and Analytics, authorized Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (Auction 904) support for 2,576 winning bids.
Sens Edward Markey (D-MA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission expressing support for the agency’s recent notice of proposed rulemaking to enhance the resiliency of communications networks during emergency situations. Strong action by the FCC is necessary to address the growing threats to communications networks created by extreme weather, natural disasters, including wildfires, and climate change-related events, which are increasingly causing more frequent and severe service disruptions.
The cable industry has long operated using a promotional pricing strategy, with consumer broadband costs jumping up once an introductory period has ended. But analysts argued the proliferation of fiber service options with flat rates could force cable players to rethink their strategy. New Street Research’s Jonathan Chaplin noted cable’s promotional pricing is generally competitive with fiber offers. The problem, however, is that cable service ends up costing consumers significantly more than fiber once those introductory rates disappear.
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