Today, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) released its 2010 Broadband Action Agenda for implementing key recommendations of the National Broadband Plan (the “Plan”) that involve rulemakings and other notice-and-comment proceedings. The Plan, which the FCC delivered to Congress on March 16, 2010, contains more than 200 recommendations for bringing high-speed Internet service to underserved individuals and communities, and using broadband to promote American competitiveness, education, healthcare, public safety and civic participation.
The 2010 Broadband Action Agenda focuses on four key goals: (1) Promote World-Leading Mobile Broadband Infrastructure and Innovation; (2) Accelerate Universal Broadband Access and Adoption, and Advance National Purposes Such as Education and Healthcare; (3) Foster Competition and Maximize Consumer Benefits Across the Broadband Ecosystem; and (4) Advance Robust and Secure Public Safety Communications Networks. The 2010 Broadband Action Agenda explains the purpose and timing of more than 60 rulemakings and other notice-and-comment proceedings the Plan recommends for FCC action. The agenda ambitiously schedules 22 events for completion within the next three months, including several orders and notices of proposed rulemakings on contentious topics such as spectrum reallocation and universal service reform.
For specific details, please see the 2010 Broadband Action Agenda at http://www.broadband.gov/plan/broadband-action-agenda.html and an implementation schedule at http://www.broadband.gov/plan/chart-of-key-broadband-action-agenda-items.pdf.
This is one of a series of reports by Bingham’s Telecom, Media, and Technology practice group focusing on specific aspects of the FCC’s National Broadband Plan. If you would like to receive our reports on other topics, or to consult with us about how the Plan and its implementing proceedings may affect your business, please contact:
Andrew D. Lipman, Partner
andrew.lipman@bingham.com, 202.373.6033
Russell M. Blau, Partner
russell.blau@bingham.com, 202.373.6035
Catherine Wang, Partner
catherine.wang@bingham.com, 202.373.6037
This article was originally published by Bingham McCutchen LLP.