[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 177 (Thursday, November 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                BROADBAND CENSUS OF AMERICA ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2007

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr Speaker, as an original cosponsor of H.R. 
3919, I rise in strong support of this legislation.
  Recent data indicate that the United States has fallen behind other 
nations in the availability, speed, and value of broadband services, 
which refers to high-speed Internet access. The Organization for 
Economic Cooperation and Development reported earlier this year that 
among the group's 30 member countries, the United States had fallen to 
15th place in per capita broadband use by the end of 2006, whereas in 
2001 the United States had been in fourth place. The United States 
recently ranked 21st in the International Telecommunication Union's 
Digital Opportunity Index, which includes 11 different variables of 
technology development, including the cost of connectivity relative to 
per capita income.
  H.R. 3919 would direct the National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration (NTIA) to produce a public, online map 
showing what types of broadband access are provided where and by which 
companies. As the Government Accountability Office (GAO) noted in May, 
2006: ``Without accurate, reliable data to aid in analysis of the 
existing deployment gaps, it will be difficult to develop policy 
responses toward gaps in broadband availability.'' Some experts have 
forecast that implementation of universal broadband service would fuel 
the American economy, adding $500 billion and creating 1.2 million new 
jobs. H.R. 3919 is an essential first step toward bringing high-speed 
Internet to every American and in ensuring that our Nation's citizens 
can realize the vibrant future that the information age offers.
  This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to 
complete an annual broadband census, i.e., an assessment and report on 
the deployment of broadband service capability, which would include a 
comparison with deployment in other countries. The measure also 
requires the National Technology Information Administration (NTIA) to 
develop a broadband inventory map showing the availability of service 
and types of service available, and it permits the NTIA to make grants 
to assist in the development of such a map. It also requires periodic 
FCC consumer surveys regarding broadband service.
  It has been said before that ``sound data makes sound policy,'' and 
this legislation will provide the information that is necessary to 
assist Congress and the FCC in creating a sound, national broadband 
strategy to bring us in line with other countries' broadband 
deployment.
  Mr. Speaker, I again what to express my strong support for this 
legislation and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 
3919.

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