NATOA ANNOUNCES ADOPTION OF BROADBAND PRINCIPLES, PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVES AND ACTIONS

This is something many of us in the PEG community had been advocating for for years now. It is NOT too late.

Alexandria VA. (July 18, 2008) — The National Association of Telecommunications Officers & Advisors (NATOA) has adopted and released formal Broadband Principles encouraging the immediate development of a National Broadband Strategy. The ten Broadband Principles, created by a task force of NATOA members, outline the critical need for widespread deployment of next-generation broadband networks and necessary steps to achieve this goal:

* NATOA calls for the immediate nationwide deployment of advanced broadband networks.
* True broadband requires high capacity bandwidth in both directions.
* Fiber to the premises isthe preferred broadband option.
* High capacity broadband connectivity must be affordable and widely accessible.
* High capacity broadband requires open access networks.
* Network neutrality is vital to the future of the Internet.
* All networks and users have the right and obligation to non–discriminatory interconnection.
* Local governments must be involved to ensure that local needs and interests are met.
* Local governments must be allowed to build and operate broadband networks.
* A variety of options must be considered to cover deployment costs.

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