GAO Cites Costs and Permit Processes as Limiting Broadband, Makes FCC Recommendations
GAO said broadband deployment and competition is limited by cost and other factors, particularly in less-populated areas where carrier investment returns are lower. Stakeholders cited "providers’ costs to deploy antennas, install wires or cables, and obtain permits to access existing…
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infrastructure," including utility poles, said a report Tuesday to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D. Despite FCC efforts, "about half of Americans have access to only one fixed broadband provider," said GAO, citing December 2015 data. "While most Americans have several choices for a mobile broadband provider, fixed and mobile service do not provide the same experience." It said parties "also identified industry consolidation and increasing similarity of fixed and mobile broadband as factors that are likely to affect broadband competition moving forward." The GAO recommended the FCC "annually solicit and report on stakeholder input regarding (1) its actions to promote broadband competition and (2) how varying levels of broadband deployment affect prices and service quality." It said the FCC concurred with the recommendations.