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Klobuchar Continues Push for Expansion of Affordable, High-Speed Broadband

April 14, 2010

Washington, D.C. – At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar called for quick and effective expansion of affordable, high-speed broadband internet access to communities throughout the country.  Klobuchar questioned Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski about the recently released National Broadband Plan and the best ways to achieve high-speed coverage for more Americans. 

“This broadband plan will help ensure that all Americans have access to an open, affordable and high-speed internet,” said Klobuchar. “The FCC needs to remain an effective cop on the beat when implementing the recommendations to create jobs, long-term economic growth, connect rural schools and hospitals, and protect our public safety networks.”

At the hearing, Klobuchar highlighted how the National Broadband Plan would impact telecommunications connectivity and infrastructure across the nation.  In addition to dramatically expanding high-speed, affordable broadband service to American households, the plan will enhance public safety by ensuring first responders have access to a nationwide, wireless, interoperable broadband public safety network 

Klobuchar has been a leader in pushing for greater investment in broadband technology and infrastructure, and three of her bills are incorporated into the FCC plan in some form:

• The Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2009 (the “Dig Once” bill Klobuchar introduced with Senator Mark Warner, D-VA) would require states to install broadband conduit as part of any federally-funded transportation project

• The Broadband Service Consumer Protection Act would promote transparency and competition in the broadband marketplace by giving consumers essential pricing and performance information on available broadband service

• The Next Generation 9-1-1 Preservation Act of 2010 would reauthorize key grants and programs to use broadband to upgrade the nation's 6,000 9-1-1 call centers.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act required the FCC to design a National Broadband Plan to expand the availability of high-speed internet access throughout the United States.

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