| Keep in Mind Why the FCC is Defining "Broadband" Before the same type of thread we saw yesterday develops, let me remind everyone what is the subject matter at hand.
This is *NOT* about defining broadband for the purposes of the $7.2B in stimulus projects. That's already happened, and it was set at a very low 768kbps advertised speed.
What the FCC asked comment for this time, was how to define "broadband" for the purposes of the National Broadband Plan. A "plan" by definition is forward looking. This is about setting goals and doing things to help achieve those goals. Regardless of whether the FCC decides it should be 1Gbps symmetrical or anything that isn't dial-up, it won't have any impact on what private companies choose to deploy.
I personally think "broadband" should be a term of art for what it used to mean way back when -- T3 or above level service (45Mbps). But I currently buy a $60 3G HSPA connection, and find value in it. Is it broadband? Well, no. It's a wireless data connection, and I am happy to call it that. |
