Refining the Biden Broadband Proposal - KEY TAKEAWAYS

For the sake of this discussion, we can refer to the first type of place as “remote,” the second as “built out,” and the third as “dispersed.” Policymakers should focus on building out broadband networks, before building up broadband networks. [...] Once a network is deployed, the operating costs may be lower, but are still significant.5 The lower the profit margin, the lower the likelihood that a broadband provider can effectively compete to provide better service and upgrade its network. [...] Advancements in broadband technology and the creation of interoperable standards are driven by private-sector contributors.10 The private sector contributes substantially to research and development and to the standards and technical requirements proposed by international broadband technology groups.11 It is through private providers that broadband has made most of its critical advancements, which. [...] Leveraging a weighting system, FCC experts can appropriately tailor standards and expectations based on the most recent research on broadband technologies and network demands.23 We can expect firms receiving support to build the highest performing network that best fits the density and topography of a given area—legislators should leave the FCC room to design appropriate weighting of different per. [...] CONCLUSION The Administration’s infrastructure plan highlights a long overdue commitment to connecting all Americans to bridge the digital divide.27 But if we are to achieve this goal, policymakers need to set ideology aside: Whether it’s the free-market view that only markets should pay a role; or the broadband populist view that America’s private-sector broadband providers shouldn’t be included.