The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed Internet
access. The FCC defines broadband service as data transmission speeds exceeding
200 kilobits per second (Kbps), or 200,000 bits per second, in at least one
direction: downstream (from the Internet to the user’s computer) or upstream
(from the user’s computer to the Internet).
HOW IS BROADBAND DIFFERENT FROM DIAL-UP SERVICE?
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Broadband service provides higher speed of data transmission—Allows more content to
be carried through the transmission “pipeline.”
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Broadband provides access to the highest quality Internet
services—streaming media, VoIP (Internet phone), gaming, and interactive
services. Many of these current and newly developing services require the
transfer of large amounts of data which may not be technically feasible with
dial-up service. Therefore, broadband service may be increasingly necessary
to access the full range of services and opportunities that the Internet can
offer.
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Broadband is always on—Does not block phone lines and no need to
reconnect to network after logging off.
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Less delay in transmission of content when using
broadband.
WHY IS BROADBAND IMPORTANT?
Broadband can provide you with the technical capability to access a
wide range of resources, services, and products that can enhance your life in
a variety of ways. These resources, services, and products include, but are not
limited to:
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Education, Culture, & Entertainment
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Broadband can overcome
geographical and financial barriers to provide access to a wide range of
educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities and resources.
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Telehealth & Telemedicine
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Broadband can facilitate provision of
medical care to unserved and underserved populations through remote
diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and consultations with specialists.
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Economic Development/E-Commerce
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Broadband can promote economic
development and revitalization through electronic commerce (e-commerce) by:
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Creating new jobs and attracting new industries.
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Providing access to regional, national, and worldwide markets.
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Electronic Government (E-Government)
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Electronic government
can help streamline people’s interaction with government
agencies, and provide information about government policies, procedures,
benefits, and programs.
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Public Safety and Homeland Security
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Broadband can help protect the
public by facilitating and promoting public safety information and
procedures, including, but not limited to:
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Early warning/public alert
systems and disaster preparation programs.
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Remote security monitoring and real time security background checks.
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Backup systems for public safety communications networks.
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Broadband Communications Services
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Broadband provides access to new
telecommunications technologies such as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
allowing voice communication using the Internet.
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Communications Services for People With Disabilities
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Broadband permits
users of Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) to use Video Relay Services
(VRS) to communicate more easily, quickly, and expressively with voice
telephone users.
TYPES OF BROADBAND
CONNECTIONS
Broadband includes several high-speed transmission
technologies such as:
The broadband technology you choose will depend on a number
of factors. These may include whether you are located in an urban or rural area,
how broadband Internet access is packaged with other services (like voice
telephone and home entertainment), price, and availability.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
DSL is a wireline transmission technology that transmits
data faster over traditional copper telephone lines already installed to homes
and businesses. DSL-based broadband provides transmission speeds ranging from
several hundred Kbps to millions of bits per second (Mbps). The availability and
speed of your DSL service may depend on the distance from your home or business
to the closest telephone company facility.
The following are types of DSL
transmission technologies:
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Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) – used
primarily by residential customers, such as Internet surfers, who receive a
lot of data but do not send much. ADSL typically provides faster speed in
the downstream direction than the upstream direction. ADSL allows faster
downstream data transmission over the same line used to provide voice
service, without disrupting regular telephone calls on that line.
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Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) – used
typically by businesses for services such as video conferencing, which need
significant bandwidth both upstream and downstream.
Faster forms of DSL typically available to businesses
include:
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High-data-rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL); and
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Very High-data-rate Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL).
Cable Modem
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Cable modem service enables cable operators to provide
broadband using the same coaxial cables that deliver pictures and sound to
your TV set.
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Most cable modems are external devices that have two
connections, one to the cable wall outlet and the other to a computer. They
provide transmission speeds of 1.5 Mbps or more.
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Subscribers can access their cable modem service simply
by turning on their computers without dialing-up an ISP. You can still watch
cable TV while using it. Transmission speeds vary depending on the type of
cable modem, cable network, and traffic load. Speeds are comparable to DSL.
Fiber
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Fiber, or fiber optic, is a newer technology available
for providing broadband. Fiber optic technology converts electrical signals
carrying data to light and sends the light through transparent glass fibers
about the diameter of a human hair. Fiber transmits data at speeds far
exceeding current DSL or cable modem speeds, typically by tens or even
hundreds of Mbps.
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The actual speed you experience will vary depending upon
a variety of factors, such as how close to your computer the service
provider brings the fiber, and how the service provider configures the
service, including the amount of bandwidth used. The same fiber providing
your broadband can also simultaneously deliver voice (VoIP) and video
services, including video-on-demand.
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Telecommunications providers (mostly telephone
companies) are offering fiber broadband in limited areas and have announced
plans to expand their fiber networks and offer bundled voice, Internet
access, and video services.
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Variations of the technology run the fiber all the way
to the customer’s home or business, to the curb outside, or to a location
somewhere between the provider’s facilities and the customer.
Wireless
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Wireless broadband connects a home or business to the
Internet using a radio link between the customer’s location and the service
provider’s facility. Wireless broadband can be mobile or fixed.
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Wireless technologies using longer range directional
equipment provide broadband service in remote or sparsely populated areas
where DSL or cable modem service would be costly to provide. Speeds are
generally comparable to DSL and cable modem. An external antenna is usually
required.
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Fixed wireless broadband service is becoming more and
more widely available at airports, city parks, bookstores, and other public
locations called “hotspots.” Hotspots generally use a short-range technology
that provides speeds up to 54 Mbps. Wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology is
also often used in conjunction with DSL or cable modem service to connect
devices within a home or business to the Internet via a broadband
connection.
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Mobile wireless broadband services are also becoming
available from mobile telephone service providers and others. These services
are generally appropriate for highly-mobile customers and require a special
PC card with a built in antenna that plugs into a user’s laptop computer.
Generally, they provide lower speeds, in the range of several hundred Kbps.
Satellite
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Just as satellites orbiting the earth provide necessary
links for telephone and television service, they can also provide links for
broadband. Satellite broadband is another form of wireless broadband, also
useful for serving remote or sparsely populated areas.
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Downstream and upstream speeds for satellite broadband
depend on several factors, including the provider and service package
purchased, the consumer’s line of sight to the orbiting satellite, and the
weather. Typically a consumer can expect to receive (download) at a speed of
about 500 Kbps and send (upload) at a speed of about 80 Kbps. These speeds
may be slower than DSL and cable modem, but download speed is about 10 times
faster than download speed with dial-up Internet access. Service can be
disrupted in extreme weather conditions.
Broadband over Powerline (BPL)
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BPL is the delivery of broadband over the existing low
and medium voltage electric power distribution network. BPL speeds are
comparable to DSL and cable modem speeds. BPL can be provided to homes using
existing electrical connections and outlets.
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BPL is an emerging technology, currently available in
very limited areas. It has significant potential because power lines are
installed virtually everywhere, alleviating the need to build new broadband
facilities to every customer.
BROADBAND IN RURAL AREAS
Because of relatively low population density, topographical
barriers, and greater geographical distances, broadband service may be more
difficult to obtain in some rural areas. In attempting to address these
challenges, some rural communities have found it helpful to develop a strategic
plan for broadband deployment that includes creating a comprehensive business
proposal to broadband providers. Such a plan, for example, could demonstrate to
broadband providers that deployment is a sound business decision that would
benefit both the providers and the community. This strategic planning process
may include, but is not limited to, the following elements and strategies:
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Educating the community about the potential benefits of
broadband service.
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Creating partnerships among community organizations and
institutions that might benefit from broadband deployment.
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Systematic assessment and prioritization of the
community’s needs for broadband service.
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Aggregating (consolidating) demand within the community
to make service profitable for broadband providers. Participants may
include, but are not limited to, individual consumers, businesses,
educational institutions, health care facilities, and government agencies.
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Identifying an anchor tenant with adequate demand to
spur infrastructure investment in broadband.
FCC FACTSHEETS
Getting Broadband.
The
FCC’s Universal Service Program for Rural Health Care Providers.
The FCC’s
Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries.
Voice Over Internet (VoIP).
Video Relay
Services.
MORE INFORMATION
Other FCC Web pages dealing with various aspects of
broadband include the following:
Telecommunications Service in Rural
America (rural broadband issues).
FCC’s Tribal Homepage
(A resource for expanding telecommunications services in Indian Country).
Disability Rights Office Page
(ensuring access to telecommunications services for people with disabilities).
Wireline Competition
Bureau (DSL, broadband over powerline, and other wireline broadband issues).
Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau (wireless broadband issues).
Media Bureau (cable
modem broadband issues).
International Bureau
(satellite broadband issues and broadband deployment in other countries).
Office of Strategic
Planning & Policy Analysis (overarching broadband policy issues).
Office of Engineering &
Technology (Technical and engineering aspects of broadband).
OTHER WEB SITES
Many organizations have created Web sites that address
various aspects of broadband services, including funding, technology, content,
and the overall availability of broadband.
HEADLINES
4/16/07
FCC Begins Inquiries on Broadband Data and Broadband Deployment.
News Release:
Word |
Acrobat
4/16/07
Broadband Data Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 07-17).
NPRM:
Word |
Acrobat
Martin Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
Copps Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
Adelstein Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
Tate Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
McDowell Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
4/16/07
Broadband Deployment Notice of Inquiry (FCC 07-21).
NOI:
Word |
Acrobat
Martin Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
Copps Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
Adelstein Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
Tate Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
McDowell Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
4/16/07
FCC Launches Inquiry into Broadband Market Practices.
NOI:
Word |
Acrobat
News Release (3/22/07):
Word |
Acrobat
Martin Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
Copps Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
Adelstein Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
Tate Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
McDowell Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
3/22/07
FCC Classifies Wireless Broadband Internet Access Service as an Information Service.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
Tate Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
3/22/07
FCC Launches Inquiry into Broadband Market Practices.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
Tate Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
3/9/07
FCC Announces May 7, 2007 Deadline for Rural Health Care Pilot Program.
Public Notice: Word |
Acrobat
3/5/07
FCC Adopts Rules to Ensure Reasonable Franchising Process for New Video Market Entrants.
R&O & NPRM:
Word |
Acrobat
News Release 12/20/06:
Word |
Acrobat
Martin Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
Copps Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
Adelstein Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
Tate Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
McDowell Statement:
Word |
Acrobat
2/1/07
Testimony Prepared for Full Senate Commerce Committee
Hearing on Accessing the Communications Marketplace: A View From the FCC.
Chairman Martin: Text:
Word |
Acrobat Slides:
Acrobat
Commissioner Copps:
Word |
Acrobat
Commissioner Adelstein:
Word |
Acrobat
Commissioner Tate:
Word |
Acrobat
Commissioner McDowell:
Word |
Acrobat
1/31/07
FCC Releases Data on High Speed Services for Internet Access.
News Release:
Word |
Acrobat
Report:
Word |
Acrobat
11/3/06
FCC Classifies Broadband Over Power Line-Enabled Internet Access as
"Information Service."
New Release: Word
|
PDF
Martin Statement: Word
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PDF
Copps Statement: Word
|
PDF
Adelstein Statement: Word
|
PDF
Tate Statement: Word
|
PDF
4/12/06
FCC Modifies Rules for 2496-2690 MHz Broadband Radio Service (BRS)/Educational
Broadband Service (EBS) Spectrum Band to Facilitate Wireless Broadband Access.
News Release: Word
| PDF
Martin & Tate Joint Statement: Word
| PDF
Copps Statement: Word
| PDF
Adelstein Statement: Word
| PDF
3/21/06
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Released on FCC Seeking Comment on Proposals for
Modifying 700 MHz Public Safety Spectrum to Accommodate Broadband
Communications.
NPRM: Word
| PDF
News Release (3/17/06): Word
| PDF
Martin Statement: Word
| PDF
3/20/06
Verizon Telephone Companies' Petition for Forbearance from Title II and
Computer Inquiry Rules with Respect to their Broadband Services Is Granted by
Operation of Law.
News Release: Word
| PDF
Joint Statement Martin & Tate: Word
| PDF
Copps Statement: Word
| PDF
Adelstein Statement: Word
| PDF
9/23/05
FCC Requires Certain Broadband and VoIP Providers to Accommodate Wiretaps.
Order: PDF
News Release (8/5/05): Word
| PDF
Martin Statement: Word
| PDF
Abernathy Statement: Word
| PDF
Copps Statement: Word
| PDF
Adelstein Statement: Word
| PDF
9/23/05
FCC Eliminates Mandated Sharing Requirement on Incumbents' Wireline Broadband
Internet Access Services.
Order: Word
| PDF
News Release (8/5/05): Word
| PDF
Martin Statement: Word
| PDF
Abernathy Statement: Word
| PDF
Copps Statement: Word
| PDF
Adelstein Statement: Word
| PDF
9/23/05
FCC Adopts Policy Statement on Broadband Internet Access.
Policy Statement: Word
| PDF
News Release (8/5/05): Word
| PDF
Martin Statement: Word
| PDF
8/5/05
FCC Eliminates Mandated Sharing Requirement on Incumbents' Wireline Broadband
Internet Access Services.
Order (9/23/05): Word
| PDF
News Release: Word
| PDF
Martin Press Statement: Word
|
PDF
Abernathy Statement: Word
| PDF
Copps Statement: Word
| PDF
Adelstein Statement: Word
| PDF
8/5/05
FCC Adopts Policy Statement on Broadband Internet Access.
Policy Statement (9/23/05): Word
|
PDF
News Release: Word
|
PDF
Martin Statement: Word
|
PDF
8/5/05
FCC Requires Certain Broadband and VoIP Providers to Accommodate Wiretaps.
Order (9/23/05): PDF
News Release: Word
| PDF
Martin Press Statement: Word
| PDF
Abernathy Statement: Word
| PDF
Copps Statement: Word
| PDF
Adelstein Statement: Word
| PDF
7/7/05
FCC Releases Data on High-Speed Internet Access Connections.
News Release: Word
| PDF
Report: PDF
3/29/05
Remarks of Commissioner Adelstein at WISPCON VII on March 21, 2005, "WISPs: Providing
Opportunities for Rural America through Access to Broadband."
Word
| PDF
3/16/05
FCC Opens Access to New Spectrum for Wireless Broadband in the 3650 MHz Band.
Order: Word
| PDF
News Release (3/10/05): Word
| PDF
Powell Statement: Word
| PDF
Copps Statement: Word
| PDF
Adelstein Statement: Word
| PDF
2/22/05
FCC Paves the Way for New Broadband Services in the Air.
Report & Order, NPRM: Word
| PDF
News Release (12/15/05): Word
|
PDF
Attachment: Air-Ground
Band Options
Powell Statement: Word
|
PDF
Copps Statement: Word
|
PDF
Adelstein Statement: Word
|
PDF
2/10/05
FCC Task Force Recommends Actions to Speed the Rollout of Wireless Broadband
Services to Consumers Across America.
News Release: Word
| PDF
Powell Statement: Word
| PDF
Overview of Report: PDF
2/9/05
Commission Proposes Flexible Use of Ku-band Frequencies to Further Facilitate
Provision of Broadband Satellite Services on Airplanes.
News Release: Word
| PDF
NPRM : Word
| PDF
03/21/05
Remarks Of Jonathan S. Adelstein, Commissioner, Federal Communications
Commission, "WISPS: Providing Opportunities For Rural America Through Access To Broadband,"
WISPCON VII, The Bolger Center, Potomac, Maryland, March 21, 2005. CMMR. [As prepared for delivery]
Word
| PDF
10/27/04
Chairman Powell's Remarks at WISPCON October 27, 2004, Las Vegas,Nevada “WISPs: Bringing the Benefits of
Broadband to Rural America.
Word |
PDF
04-23-04
FCC Begins Rulemaking Proposing to Allow Wireless Broadband Operations in the
3650-3700 MHz Band
NPRM: Word |
PDF
Powell Statement: Word |
PDF
02-23-04
FCC Proposes Rules for Broadband Over Power Lines to Promote Broadband Service
to Underserved Areas and Increase Competition.
NPRM: Word |
PDF
News Release: (02/12/04)
Word |
PDF
Powell Statement: Word |
PDF
Commissioner's Statements:
Abernathy: Word |
PDF
Copps: Word |
PDF
Martin: Word |
PDF
Adelstein: Word |
PDF
|