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Broadband

As the Internet has evolved from an occasional-use resource to a pervasive, always-on broadband ecosystem, the networking technologies underpinning it have developed faster than legal and regulatory frameworks can adjust. This has led to complex policy challenges that must be overcome to ensure that networks of the future can develop to their fullest potential. ITIF advocates for policies to accelerate deployment, access, and adoption of high-speed Internet, and encourage continued network innovation.

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Sustain Affordable Connectivity By Ending Obsolete Broadband Programs

Sustain Affordable Connectivity By Ending Obsolete Broadband Programs

New broadband funding programs necessitate dramatic reforms to old programs. We should reverse the status quo and sustain the Affordable Connectivity Program by shrinking the redundant hodgepodge of federal broadband programs.

The State of US Broadband in 2022: Reassessing the Whole Picture

The State of US Broadband in 2022: Reassessing the Whole Picture

In absolute terms, the United States is among the world’s leaders in deploying fast broadband, and it does so at competitive prices. But there is room for improvement on broadband adoption.

More Publications and Events

December 2, 2024|Reports & Briefings

Government-Owned Broadband Networks Are Not Competing on a Level Playing Field

In most cases, local governments have neither the competence nor the economies of scale to deliver broadband as well as private ISPs. So, favoring government-owned networks wastes societal resources, creates unfair competition, and is frequently unsustainable in the long run.

November 21, 2024|Blogs

US Connectivity Investments Dwarf the Rest of the OECD

Private ISPs have invested the equivalent of 2 BEAD programs every year since the BEAD statute was enacted.

November 14, 2024|Testimonies & Filings

Comments to the FCC Regarding Data Caps in Consumer Broadband Plans

To the extent that the Commission is worried about whether data caps are too low, it should change its policies that have disincentivized broadband investment so consumers can benefit from increases in overall broadband network capacity.

October 31, 2024|Blogs

The FCC’s Net Neutrality Dodge Looks Doomed

The FCC will likely lose its partisan bid to regulate broadband Internet service under Title II of the Communications Act, either under the major questions doctrine or under the normal principles of statutory interpretation. That eventual decision will confirm it would have been better off focusing on policies that actually benefit consumers.

October 15, 2024|Op-Eds & Contributed Articles

Why Canada Doesn’t Need Another Broadband Provider

Canadian telecommunications policy under successive governments has taken for granted that the domestic industry suffers an inadequate supply of market participants. But that assumption is unmoored from reality on various fronts.

October 11, 2024|Testimonies & Filings

Comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Regarding Project LEIA

Project LEIA is an excellent opportunity to move in the right direction, and we commend NTIA for this bold approach.

September 3, 2024|Blogs

Fact of the Week: Increase in Access to Broadband Internet in American Counties Results in a Decrease in Suicides

A recent working paper found that a 10 percent increase in broadband Internet access among county residents leads to 0.11 fewer suicide deaths per county, a 1.02 percent reduction in suicides overall.

August 26, 2024|Blogs

NTIA's Middle-Class Affordability Requirement Is Bad For Consumers

The NTIA’s “Middle-Class Affordability” requirement for BEAD undermines the program’s goal of universal broadband access by diverting funds and potentially imposing rate regulation, ultimately harming consumers by stifling competition and reducing deployment efficiency.

August 12, 2024|Blogs

Consumers Will Be On the End of the CPUC Regulatory Sledgehammer

While the intent behind these regulations is commendable, in practice they are too rigid and will be prove counterproductive, hurting consumers.

July 15, 2024|Features

Exploring Maine’s State Broadband Initiative, With Brian Allenby

Access America Series, Episode 4: Jess talks to Brian Allenby, program operations and communications director for the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA), about the state’s progress on BEAD and the challenge of serving rugged and remote communities.

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