FCC chairman seeks national broadband plan extension

As expected, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has asked Congress for a one-month extension for presenting the national broadband plan to the lawmakers.

The daunting task is now expected to be completed by March 17. Genachowski, in a letter to Congress, said the extra time "will enable the FCC to continue to obtain input from key stakeholders and more fully brief Commissioners and the House and Senate Committees on aspects of the Plan as it comes together."

The plan was mandated as part of President Obama's economic stimulus program to present ways to bridge the digital divide. But it has been faced with a number of challenges that include how to change the Universal Service Fund, find new spectrum and the lack of data about where broadband is and is not available.

 For more:
- see this InformationWeek article [1]

Related articles:
Report: FCC won't meet February national broadband plan deadline [2]
FCC details hurdles to national broadband plan [3]
FCC opens debate on national broadband plan [4]
Levin: Many challenges remain to national broadband plan [5]
FCC: National broadband plan fraught with challenges [6]