House panel probes broadband investment

Lawmakers and witnesses at a Wednesday hearing investigated policies that would increase investment in America’s broadband infrastructure.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology heard from industry and government representatives who laid out ways that policymakers could make it easier for companies to invest in broadband.

{mosads}Several witnesses noted the powerful nature of infrastructure investments — which they noted can quickly improve Internet access. But they said the government could do more to support  access to some of the facilities that are key to building out a network.

“While the FCC has taken important steps to improve rules related to infrastructure access, our own experience in building new broadband networks demonstrates that more work needs to be done to reduce delays and barriers,” said Michael Slinger, the director of Google Fiber Cities.

Infrastructure investment could have a powerful effect on the network, witnesses said.

“Wireless infrastructure investment by private capital addresses the wireless data crunch as soon as it’s deployed,” said Jonathan Adelstein, the president of industry group PCIA.

Several witnesses also mentioned the difficulties in obtaining wireless spectrum — the airwaves that carry signals to and from mobile devices.

Lawmakers also devoted their attention to discrepancies in the quality and reach of the network in rural environments and Indian reservations.

“I think if there’s something that moves up to the top of the list here in a bipartisan way, it’s to see that we bring to parts of the country where there are reservations that you get first class service for first class citizenship,” said subcommittee ranking member Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.).

Slinger said that Google has found that fiber-optic cable are not the best way to bring Internet to rural areas, and said wireless broadband might be more effective.

Though the hearing was cut short by votes on the House floor, subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) promised additional action on the topic.

“This is not the last hearing,” he said. “We expect to continue this work going forward.”