Information Society Watch

August 2005, S. Derek Turner

The author contends that an FCC report published by the FCC Chairman, overstates broadband penetration rates, service quality, and the competitive conditions of the marketplace. The standard the FCC uses to measure “high-speed” connections is misleading and low. The FCC uses a misleading measure of broadband coverage. Broadband costs in the United States remain high, despite growth in the total number of connections. The digital divide persists and shows no sign of narrowing. The United States continues to fall in the world rankings of broadband penetration. In short, American broadband connections are slow and expensive. Congress and the FCC must take a hard look at the data, come to terms with the severity of the digital divide, and construct policies that promote competition and expand lowcost, high-speed service to more American households. Only then can the United States expect to claim its place atop the list of the world’s most advanced broadband nations (Adapted from author).

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