Changes in feds' broadband stats, at last
The old FCC broadband penetration data was next to useless. New changes could help.
Here's one that's way overdue. The Federal Communications Commission voted earlier this week to change the way it collects broadband penetration data from carriers, adding more detail on exactly how much service is offered, and what kind. It will break out broadband over power lines-a favorite of Chairman Michael Powell–as a separate category.
As Broadband Reports keenly notes, this could go a long way towards making the Commission's statistics actually mean something. Previous FCC reports on the penetration of broadband services have been unduly rosy, because they've measured it by zip code, and if any single house in the right area could get service, that was enough. That meant that the penetration rates were potentially far overstated, particularly for rural areas.
Let's hope the new data collection measures give policymakers (and reporters) a better picture of what's really happening on the ground.