Some simply say American broadband "sucks." Others delve into the math problems that make even measuring US broadband capacity often-counter productive. And, others still insist that all is well today.
Robert Atkinson at The Innovation Technology & Innovation Foundation wraps up much of the current debate about US broadband and makes the case for a national broadband policy that will get the country ahead of Belgium, Canada and France in penetration and speed. Here's the pdf of the policy paper that came out last Friday.
After the jump is the summary of Atkinson's policy recommendations....
Supply-side policies include:
• more favorable tax policies to spur investment in next generation broadband networks;
• policies that ensure that there is significantly more spectrum available for next generation wireless data applications;
• support for research and development related to advanced networking technologies, such as Internet2;
• removal of regulatory barriers to deployment;
•targeted direct funding for deployment in some high-cost areas;
•better broadband data collection; and
•funding for state and regional programs to help spur deployment, in part through activities like broadband mapping and demand aggregation programs.
Demand-side policies include:
•eliminating taxes on broadband and Internet service;
•targeted and reformed universal service support for advanced broadband;
•support for public TV and libraries to put more content online;
•spurring the next phase of e-government;
•fostering applications like tele-work, tele-medicine, and e-learning;
•encouraging digital literacy for all Americans; and
•ensuring that policies do not discriminate against Internet radio.
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