The $65 billion in broadband deployment grant subsidies to be distributed by states, NTIA, USDA and the Treasury Department have been described by many as “historic.” But Michael Powell, former FCC Chairman and now President/CEO of NCTA — The Internet and Television Association, cautioned lawmakers this week of the “substantial challenges” in administering such a complex effort.
Speaking to members of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband, Powell testified: “Success will require sharp focus and resolve to direct resources where they are most needed. Past attempts have often failed because resources were mistargeted, or poorly administered by both government agencies and ineffective providers.”
The government should encourage “significant” private investment in the construction of next-generation networks. That should include “government action to remove barriers that slow deployment such as permitting delays and pole access,” he said according to prepared testimony for a hearing on broadband deployment.
“All utility pole owners should be required to provide timely and non-discriminatory access to poles, ducts, conduits, and rights-of-way, at non-discriminatory rates,” said the former FCC Chairman. “Without timely access to all poles, it will be incredibly difficult—if not impossible—to reach the Administration’s stated goal of reaching 100% of currently unserved families and small businesses by 2030.”
NCTA also recommends that government funding be targeted to unserved areas. “Experience shows that support is often siphoned to areas that are more economical to serve and already have broadband, leaving too many communities still waiting for internet access,” Powell said. “Public spending is essential to overcoming geographic and economic barriers that leave unserved communities on the wrong side of the gap.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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