OTI Statement on 2016 Broadband Progress Report

WASHINGTON, DC — The FCC released yesterday the findings of its forthcoming 2016 Broadband Progress Report, which found that broadband technology was not being deployed in a “reasonable or timely fashion.” The draft report is currently being circulated to the commissioners in advance of the January 28 Open Meeting. The findings of the report are in line with OTI’s extensive research on broadband adoption in the U.S. through its series of Cost of Connectivity reports.

The following quote can be attributed to Joshua Stager, Policy Counsel at New America’s Open Technology Institute:

This report confirms the persistence of America’s longstanding digital divide. Broadband access in rural areas lags far behind that of urban areas, leaving many communities disconnected from the economic, social, and political benefits of Internet access. In 2016, this divide is simply unacceptable.

The Commission’s data complements our research finding that many Americans have access to broadband that is slower and more expensive than that which is offered in other

industrialized nations. Moreover, OTI’s research has demonstrated that, even in urban areas with robust connectivity, many consumers aren’t getting the speeds they paid for.

The Commission was right to conclude that the current state of broadband deployment isn’t good enough. We can do better, and the Commission should continue to use all of the tools at its disposal to bring more Americans online.