FCC Calls for 'Gigabit Cities'

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has called for at least one "gigabit community" in all 50 states by 2015. Challenging broadband providers and state and municipal community leaders to come together to meet the "Gigabit City Challenge," Genachowski said establishing gigabit communities nationwide will accelerate the creation of a critical mass of markets and innovation hubs with ultra-fast Internet speeds.Today, approximately 42 communities in 14 states are served by ultra-high-speed fiber Internet providers, according to the Fiber to the Home Council.Genachowski announced plans to create a new online clearinghouse of best practices to collect and disseminate information about how to lower the costs and increase the speed of broadband deployment nationwide, including to create gigabit communities. The FCC will also hold workshops on gigabit communities, including broadband providers and state and municipal leaders. The intent is to evaluate barriers, increase incentives, and reduce the costs of speeding gigabit network deployment.