The FCC has revamped its rules for the Connect America Fund and its E-rate program.
Speaking at 1776, a startup incubator in Washington, DC, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said more competition is needed in the high-speed Internet marketplace.
"Meaningful competition for high-speed wired broadband is lacking, and Americans need more competitive choices for faster and better Internet connections, both to take advantage of today's new services, and to incentivize the development of tomorrow's innovations," Wheeler said.
Arguing that service providers have lagged on speed upgrades and that consumers - particularly in rural areas - have few choices among providers, Wheeler laid out a four-point Agenda for Broadband Competition:
Where competition exists, the FCC will protect it.
Where greater competition can exist, the FCC will encourage it.
Where meaningful competition is not available, the FCC will work to create it.
Where competition cannot be expected to exist, the FCC must shoulder the responsibility of promoting the deployment of broadband for the sake of consumers and innovators.
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