Wikipedia Definition & Overview – National Broadband Plan (United States)
Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan, unveiled March 16, 2010,[1] is a FCC (Federal Communications Commission) plan which deals with improving broadband Internet access throughout the United States. One goal was providing 100 million American households with access to 100 Mbit/s (megabits per second) connections by 2020.
Algeria’s universal service challenge
Having implemented universal service for telephony, Algeria is now trying to extend this to internet access, to ensure a minimum bit rate for every citizen. But with a such a large and mountainous territory, the government sought inspiration from other countries, as far away as Canada.
Autorite De Regulation
France (site in english)
Benton Foundation on Universal Service
Collaboration between the Benton Foundation and the Institute for Information Policy at PSU, this project outlines the policy rationale, the pathway forward, and the 12 key steps for advancing universal broadband and modernizing the universal service program for the information age.
BroadbandBreakfast: Universal Service
The most recent news on Universal Service from Broadbandbreakfast.
Broadband.gov
USA: the official FCC page on the broadband plan
Connecting America – National Broadband Plan
Documentary on Universal Service Fund – Pakistan
Universal Service Fund (USF) was established by the Ministry of Information Technology Pakistan to spread the benefits of the telecom revolution to all corners of Pakistan.
FCC Definition/Announcement
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circa 1974).
Missouri: Universal Service Fund
This is the official website for Missouri’s Universal Service Fund.
National Broadband Maps
The National Broadband Map is a tool to search, analyze and map broadband availability across the United States.
Created and maintained by the NTIA, in collaboration with the FCC, and in partnership with 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia.
National Broadband Network – Department of Communications
NBNco
Australia: the new federal company set up by the government of Australia to provide universal service.
NTIA National Broadband Map
Congress charged NTIA with creating and maintaining the National Broadband Map, an unprecedented, searchable, public database of information on broadband Internet availability in the United States.
Schools and Libraries – Universal Service Support
The site describes the schools and libraries Universal Service support mechanism – provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access.
Telecommunity: Broadband Universal Service
Discussion that not only includes standard information but also links to hearings and reports related to broadband universal service.
u-Japan
Japan
Universal Service Administrative Company
USAC administers the Universal Service Fund providing communities across America with affordable communications services.
Universal Service Advocacy
Universal Service and Industry Issues and Advocacy by the United States Telecom Association.
Status: Link up to active website.
Universal Service Contribution Announced
The Irish government has announced a new universal service contribution, which will now apply on incomes from €4,000 upwards.
Universal Service – FCC
FCC website discusses the goals of Universal Service, as mandated by the 1996 Act, which are to promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable, and affordable rates; increase access to advanced telecommunications services to all consumers, including those in low income, rural, insular, and high cost areas.
Universal Service – Goals and Definitions provided by the FCC
This site discusses the goals and definitions provided by the FCC as well as addressing how the FCC’s action affects users of telecommunications services, including those in particularly low-income households or those in high-cost areas, and institutions such as schools and libraries.
Universal Service – Wikipedia Article
The Wikipedia encyclopedia article gives a brief description and outlines the The Universal Service Principles.
Video: The Communicators: National Broadband Plan
FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell (R) joins “The Communicators” to discuss the national broadband plan and other matters before the commission. Program from Saturday, January 9, 2010.
Video: The Communicators: Regulation of Broadband Services
On The Communicators, Walter McCormick of U.S. Telecom and Cathy Sloan of the Computer and Communications Industry Association discuss the FCC’s efforts to regulate broadband services. Program from Saturday, June 12, 2010.
Status: Link up to video
World Leaders agree: The future will be built on Broadband
Press Release: As high-speed networks transform our world, ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré calls for a ‘broadband boom’ and urges all governments to move broadband to the top of their agendas.
You Can’t Use Google’s Broadband To Justify National Broadband
A very strange column in the UK tries to use Google‘s experiments with high speed broadband in Kansas City as a way of justifying a national broadband program. It’s not just that you cannot apply the US experience to the UK, there’s a much deeper problem within the argument.
Status: link up to Forbes article from August 2012
YouTube Video: ABC Four Corners Special Presentation – The National Broadband Network (NBN)
What is the National Broadband Network? Who’ll get it first? Explore the background and political debate surrounding the NBN (Australia) with this special online presentation from the ABC’s Online Investigative Unit and Four Corners.
YouTube Video: Spectrum Reallocation:How Will The National Broadband Plan’s Goals Be Realized
You Tube Video: Two Perspectives on the National Broadband Plan
In the months since the Federal Communications Commission released the National Broadband Plan, the suggested policies and goals have produced considerable support as well as criticism.