From Rob Atkinson, President of ITIF:
We commend Chairman Genachowski for his leading role in spurring tremendous advances in broadband innovation and the Internet economy, while assisting the United States in transitioning to an advanced wireless world. During his tenure, the U.S. has made major advances in the speed of our broadband networks and expanded the deployment of next generation broadband technology. As ITIF has recently shown, 82 percent of American homes are now passed by a broadband network with speeds of 100 Mbps or higher, over 96 percent of the U.S. now has access to wired broadband, and we lead the world in adoption of 4G LTE mobile broadband.
These accomplishments are due in part to the FCC’s efforts to develop the National Broadband Plan which establishes a road map for expanding innovation and deployment of high speed technology while enhancing the use of advanced networking in education, healthcare, homeland security and numerous additional industries. In addition, Commissioner Genachowski has been a leader in addressing the digital divide – the major factor holding back America’s digital progress – creating innovative educational partnerships such as Connect2Compete which seeks to enhance broadband adoption and digital literacy.
Under the Chairman’s leadership the FCC has also been a leader in expanding spectrum access through the first of its kind incentive auctions, which have the potential to free up large amounts of valuable spectrum for wireless broadband. Chairman Genachowski has also successfully navigated the thorny issue of net neutrality, adopting a “third way” approach that addresses open access concerns without inhibiting continued Internet innovation.
We praise the Chairman for his efforts and hope that his successor takes the same reasoned and innovative approach to these important issues that have tremendous implications for the continued health of our growing Internet environment.
