FCC: Make Broadband Cheaper, Jerks
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski
Did you know that 93 million Americans have either dial-up access or no access at all to the internet? When I heard this, I assumed that it was due to infastructure, but it’s actually a simpler hurdle – price – that’s keeping most users off high speed.
That’s according to the FCC, who’ll soon be releasing its National Broadband Plan to Congress, a plan which includes a blueprint for extending broadband to underserved areas of the United States.
So how’s the FCC going to force providers to lower prices? Good question. Right now, there’s a debate in the courts as to whether or not the FCC has any regulatory authority at all over providers – a federal appeals court will soon make that decision in the landmark Comcast net neutrality case.
Personally, I hope the FCC’s given the power they need to bring prices down. The internet’s gone from a luxury to a necessary utility. The government can regulate water and power, why not the internet? God knows my wallet could use a break.
Thoughts, Technomaly audience?
Source & Photo Source: Christian Science Monitor
