According to Democrat Rick Boucher, network neutrality, naked DSL and an increase in broadband deployment are the top three telecom issues on the table in Congress. Boucher believes the new AT&T should bring video competition to cable providers, but believes that "'satellite companies will need to offer broadband and do so 'aggressively and affordably.'" Meanwhile, Republican FCC chief Kevin Martin outlined his top telecom agenda items for 2007, which include broadband deployment, a broadband public-safety network and access to 911 emergency service. "I think the commission has a strong track record [of] taking steps to promote consumer interests," says the FCC boss.

Both promise to increase deployment. Unfortunately Martin's a big believer that broadband over powerline is a major solution to the nation's broadband deployment issues, when the technology will probably never be a major competitor. Boucher's suggestion of increased satellite broadband seems equally lacking, since the DBS providers have found that delivering lag-ridden satellite broadband isn't exactly a cash cow, and attempts to deploy via wireless so far haven't materialized.