Homeowner's Blog

Many rural and other homeowners either do not have access to broadband or don't have Internet access at fast enough speeds and affordable costs to support home-based businesses or sophisticated healthcare applications that would allow them to remain in their homes instead of moving to nursing facilities. Chairman Genachowski  and the staff of the Federal Communications Commission have developed a proposed National Broadband Plan for dramatically improving broadband networks and extending their benefits to all Americans. In terms of the practical impact of technology on the daily lives of most Americans, this effort far surpasses the importance of the space program other technology-related areas. As Chairman Genachowski noted, "The starting point to solve these problems is a set of goals that are ambitious but achievable with a national commitment."

The proposed National Broadband Plan is the first step to reaching a common agreement on the specifics and priorities of those goals. Once we reach a consensus on the goals, we will face significant challenges regarding the mechanics of its implementation. Those challenges will involve complicated decisions between alternative ways to achieve the nation's broadband goals. Policymakers will have to make those tough choices, but the Plan is the critical precursor to the day when all American homeowners and other consumers can fully realize the benefits of broadband.

Chairman Genachowski  and the staff of the Federal Communications Commission deserve our thanks for taking this first step.