The FCC is required to report to Congress annually as to whether broadband is being deployed to all Americans in “a reasonable and timely fashion.” In the past, the self-congratulatory FCC reports have seemed to be divorced from reality.

• Read comments by Free Press on the how the FCC should define the term 'broadband'for the national broadband plan and future policymaking at the agency. Or, read the press release. (September 2009)

• Read comments by Free Press on the FCC's national broadband plan to bring high-speed Internet to all Americans. Or, read the press release. (June 2009)

• Read reply comments by Free Press on the FCC's national broadband plan. Or, read the press release. (July 2009)

Other Comments to the FCC on Broadband Deployment

Comments for the FCC's Annual Inquiry on the State of U.S. Broadband

Free Press provides extensive evidence that the broadband market in the United States lacks competition and that Internet Service Providers are still offering speeds that are too slow and cost far too much. The comments also contain recommendations for broadband data collection and accelerated deployment. (September 2009)

Comments on FCC Determination of U.S. Broadband Status

Consumer groups, led by Free Press, provide extensive evidence that the broadband market in the United States is a duopoly. Internet Service Providers offer speeds that are too slow and cost far too much. (May 2007)

Reply Comments on FCC Determination of U.S. Broadband Status

In response to Internet Service Providers’ claims that Americans have a wealth of options in broadband, consumer groups, led by Free Press, refute each claim and demonstrate for the FCC the reality that broadband is not being deployed to all Americans in a “reasonable and timely fashion.” (June 2007)

Petition for Reconsideration on FCC Determination of U.S. Broadband Status

Despite extensive evidence from consumer groups, the FCC decided that broadband is being deployed in “a reasonable and timely fashion.” In coming to this conclusion, the FCC simply ignored the evidence countering the claims of Internet Service Providers. In response, consumer groups, led by Free Press, requested that the FCC reconsider their decision, exposing the numerous factual errors made in the FCC findings. (July 2008)

Reply Comments on Petition for Reconsideration on FCC Determination of U.S. Broadband Status
The FCC requested public comment on the petition filed by consumer groups. Led by Free Press, consumer groups once again rebutted the claims made by Internet providers. In doing so, consumer groups illustrated to the FCC why they must reconsider their decision. (September 2008)

Reply to Opposition to Petition for Reconsideration
Consumer groups, including Free Press, filed this Reply to Opposition to Petition For Reconsideration. The filing rebuts arguments made by phone and cable companies claiming the groups' petition to the agency was not valid. (September 2008)