The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has called for rolling out gigabit broadband services in all 50 states by 2015, which is expected to boost the development of important markets and innovation hubs with ultra-fast Internet speeds.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has challenged the broadband providers and state and municipal community leaders to come together to meet the ‘Gigabit City Challenge’.
"American economic history teaches a clear lesson about infrastructure," Genachowski said.
"If we build it, innovation will come.
"The U.S. needs a critical mass of gigabit communities nationwide so that innovators can develop next-generation applications and services that will drive economic growth and global competitiveness."
According to the FCC, about 42 communities all through 14 states currently have ultra-high-speed broadband, with some local municipalities and utilities installing fibre directly to people’s homes in some of the communities.
Further, to assist the communities in meeting the Gigabit City Challenge, Genachowski revealed plans to develop a new online clearinghouse of best practices to gather and distribute information about methods to reduce the costs and boost broadband deployment speed in the US, in addition to creation of gigabit communities.
The FCC’s Broadband Acceleration Initiative is aimed at expanding the reach of broadband by streamlining access to utility poles and rights of way, as well as enhancing policies for wireless facilities siting and other infrastructure.
Additionally, Gigabit communities will also benefit from ‘middle mile’ fibre infrastructure which has been funded all through the US by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.
Claimed to be the largest ever public investment in rural broadband, FCC’s Connect America Fund comprises funding for high-speed broadband to anchor institutions including schools and hospitals.
