FCC Task force: Americans are overcharged for Internet access
Are Americans getting less broadband than they pay for? Unfortunately, according to the FCC National Broadband Plan task force, the answer is yes.
The task force gathering data for the National Broadband Plan is finding that many Americans are paying for broadband at speeds substantially lower than advertised speeds. In their status report on Wednesday, FCC officials reported that the median American subscribes to services with maximum speeds of 6 Mbps, while the median average speed delivered is 3 Mbps.
CWA and Speed Matters have emphasized the importance of measuring the actual--not advertised--speed of a broadband connection. After all, consumers' ability to upload and download information is based on the actual speed of the connection.
Specific cost models were also explored during Wednesday's meeting, with costs varying widely depending on actual connection speeds. The task force estimates that the cost to ensure universal access at 768 kbps, covering 5 million unserved homes, is $20 billion. To provide universal broadband at 10 mbps, with 35 million homes currently unserved, would require $50 billion. Offering universal service at extremely high speeds, around 100 Mbps, would cost $350 billion.
Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the FCC has until February 17, 2010 to submit a comprehensive plan for universal broadband to Congress. The plan will address everything from technical deployment to prospective benefits for healthcare, public safety, education, energy conservation, economic development and job creation.
The FCC understands the importance of the task. "If we get this right, if we develop a sound plan for ensuring access to high-speed Internet for all Americans, broadband can be our country's platform for prosperity and opportunity in the 21st century," said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on Wednesday.
Broadband Task Force delivers status report on Feb. 17 National Broadband Plan (FCC)
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