Definition of Broadband Could Pit Rural Versus Urban, Market Forces Against Public Interest

Experts and citizens split words at the NTIA/RUS Thursday morning public roundtable seeking to define broadband - an essential element to determine what projects receive federal funding under stimulus spending. Mark Lloyd, vice president of strategic initiatives at the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, said the definition of broadband should be centered around speeds and how broadband can serve as a means of communication. He said the debate has its source in the legal frameworks adopted by Congress in the Telecommunications Act of 1996. "New definitions must focus on hard speeds," said Lloyd. "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. We cannot manage what we cannot measure." Stagg Newman, principal of Piggah Communication Consulting, said definitions should center around understanding what the service is, acceptable network infrastructure, and a series of metrics by which to measure both. "A backbone network from central and surrounding areas is needed across the nation. Infrastructure is also needed for emergency responders, and a satellite back-up for geographical cover," he said. Newman added: "Let us consider trade-offs to affordability. I know that is controversial but let us put it out there." Fred Campbell, president and CEO of Wireless Communication Association, said that "the definition should be viewed as a gating mechanism, not a measure of evaluating grant eligibility." Dave Malfura, president and CEO of ETC Group, LLC., said broadband should be defined as "a service which allows users to access the world's resources and its inhabitants without Encumbrances."