Improved Broadband Data Collection a First Step to Better National Policy 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A broadband data collection bill which is similar to a proposal by Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), chairman of the House Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee, passed the House today and was sent to the Senate for final approval. The bill creates a broadband census in order to pursue ubiquitously available, competitive, high speed, affordable broadband service for all Americans. 

"The future success of the United States in the fiercely competitive global economy depends on our overarching telecommunications policy goals. We must achieve a competitive, high speed broadband infrastructure to spur new growth, investment, choice, and greater affordability in cutting-edge broadband applications, services, and technologies," said Rep. Markey.

"This initiative will help us ascertain whether the nation is achieving its broadband policy goals because unfortunately our current knowledge on the state of broadband deployment, speed, and affordability in the U.S. is grossly and inexcusably lacking."

The House passed an amended "The Broadband Data Improvement Act" (S. 1492) by unanimous consent agreement. It is companion legislation to the "Broadband Census of America Act of 2007" (HR 3919) introduced by Rep. Markey and passed unanimously by the House last November. S. 1492, sponsored by Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI), will now be sent back to the Senate for final approval.

"While I wish the Senate bill contained the more rigorous data collection and disclosure, as well as the mapping provisions, that were contained in the House-passed bill, I believe the re-drafted Senate bill, which now includes some provisions of HR 3919, makes sorely-needed progress in bolstering the data collection needed for policymakers to have a better sense of America's progress, or lack thereof, in broadband deployment, speed, and affordability," Rep. Markey concluded. "As such, it represents a step forward and I hope the Senate approves it soon."

Rep. Markey's statement during debate of the legislation on the floor of the House of Representatives can be found here.

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