FCC Launches Inquiry For Annual Broadband Progre Report

Media Contact:

Mark Wigfield, (202) 418-0253

mark.wigfield@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC Launches Inquiry for Annual Broadband Progress Report

Washington, D.C. (August 6, 2015) - In preparation for its annual assessment of U.S. broadband

deployment, the Federal Communications Commission has launched an inquiry seeking comment

on whether consumer access to both mobile and fixed broadband should now be the standard by

which to make this judgement.

Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires the FCC to make an annual

assessment of whether broadband is being deployed to all Americans on a reasonable and timely

basis. Based on an assessment of fixed broadband availability, the 2015 Broadband Progress

Report, released in early February this year, determined that deployment was not reasonable and

timely, finding that nearly 55 million Americans did not have access to broadband capable of

delivering high-quality voice, data, graphics and video offerings.

The Notice of Inquiry adopted by the Commission today notes that Americans increasingly use

both fixed and mobile broadband, but for different purposes. While fixed terrestrial broadband

service can have advantages for high-capacity home use, mobile broadband has become

increasingly important for many uses, including connecting on social media, navigating during

travel, communicating with family and friends, receiving timely news updates, and more.

In the event mobile broadband is added to the assessment, the FCC is seeking comment on what

speed of service should serve as the benchmark for assessing availability. The FCC is also

proposing to consider the availability of fixed satellite broadband in its annual assessment of

fixed broadband availability.

Today's Notice of Inquiry further seeks comment on whether to consider standards beyond speed

when assessing broadband deployment, including latency and consistency of service. And it asks

whether to consider factors beyond physical deployment, including pricing and data allowances,

privacy, and broadband adoption.

Previous Broadband Progress Reports are available at https://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/archive-

released-broadband-progress-notices-inquiry

Action by the Commission, August 6, 2015, by Notice of Inquiry (FCC 15-101). Chairman

Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel approving. Commissioner Pai approving in

part and dissenting in part. Commissioner O'Rielly approving in part and concurring in

part. Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O'Rielly issuing

statements.

GN Docket No. 15-191

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Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500

TTY: (888) 835-5322

Twitter: @FCC

www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a

Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ

1974).

LINK:	http://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-launches-inquiry-annual-broadband-prog...
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