Broadband Access - Issue Summary
|
|
| What is the fundamental issue? |
| The term “broadband” is used to describe high speed Internet access provided by various technology platforms including cable, telephone wire, and wireless technologies. Broadband gives users the ability to send and receive data at volumes and speeds far greater than “dial-up” Internet access provided over traditional telephone lines. While the numbers of new broadband subscribers continue to grow, data suggests that the rate of broadband deployment in rural and low-income areas is less robust. An estimated 9 to 10 million American households that use the Internet still lack access to broadband. Several international ranking s indicate that the U.S. is lagging behind other nations in broadband accessibility, speed and cost. Americans pay more and get less for broadband service than many countries across the globe. Realtors® support a comprehensive national policy to stimulate the deployment of broadband in underserved areas of the U.S., increase data speeds and lower broadband prices. In 2009 we expect to see proposals from the Administration and Congress to promote greater broadband access for Americans. |
|
| I'm a Realtor®. What does this mean to my business? |
Realtors® support policies to encourage the growth of strong viable communities.
A national broadband policy will promote economic growth and expand opportunities for home sales. A recent study concluded that in communities where there is access to high speed internet, property values are 6% higher.Communities prosper when they gain access to high-speed Internet. Property values increase, businesses grow and jobs are created. Broadband forms the infrastructure for the American economy’s digital future. Affordable high-speed broadband will soon become almost as important as water and electricity, and the absence of broadband makes a community a less attractive location for new investment and development. Furthermore, availability of “new economy” jobs is impossible in a community with little or no broadband access. |
|
| NAR Policy: |
NAR supports the following Broadband Access Principles:
*Every American should have access to a high-speed, world-class communications infrastructure
*High-capacity broadband connectivity should be affordable and widely accessible
*A variety of options should be considered to encourage quality broadband deployment and adoption including action by the public and private sector. |
|
| Legislative/Regulatory Status/Outlook: |
| President Obama is a strong supporter of increasing broadband access to underserved communities. The current economic stimulul package contains $6 billion in loans, loan guarantees and grants for projects to increase broadband access to Americans. The FCC is developing a national broadband plan that will be presented to Congress by the end of this year. |
 Link to Thomas
|
