The Wireline Competition Bureau focuses on broadband connections to
the consumer, including digital subscriber lines, fiber-based broadband
services and broadband over power lines. The Bureau seeks to fulfill
the Commission’s mission to promote competition in broadband markets
and remove barriers to investment in broadband infrastructure. To this
end, the Bureau has implemented measures to:
- Preserve and promote the vibrant and open character of the Internet
as the communications marketplace advances in the broadband age.
[FCC Actions]
- Increase the incentive for companies to invest in broadband networks.
[FCC Actions]
- Promote technological neutrality by establishing regulatory parity
among all providers of broadband services, including wireline providers
and cable modem providers. [FCC Actions]
- Speed deployment of Internet Protocol-based services, such as voice
over Internet Protocol (VoIP) by asserting interstate jurisdiction,
among other measures. [FCC Actions]
- Collect data to monitor broadband deployment nationwide. [FCC Actions]
In addition, the Bureau manages the Schools
and Libraries program, which provides discounts for telecommunications
services, including broadband Internet connections, to many of the
nation’s schools and libraries. The program also provides discounts
for the installation of internal networks in schools and libraries.