STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
Re: Inquiry Concerning the Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Capability to All 
Americans in a Reasonable and Timely Fashion, and Possible Steps to Accelerate Such 
Deployment Pursuant to Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, as Amended by the 
Broadband Data Improvement Act, GN Docket No. 10-159, Seventh Broadband Deployment 
Notice of Inquiry
Broadband grew from being available to 15 percent of Americans in 2003 to 95 percent of the 
population a mere six years later, making it the fastest penetrating disruptive technology in American 
history.  We can all agree that areas for improvement will always confront us, and focusing on connecting 
those who currently do not have access to high-speed Internet should be our highest priority.  However, 
we should not ignore the basis for the phenomenal success of broadband: a hands-off approach by 
government.
I welcome the opportunity for the Commission to take another look at America's progress in 
broadband deployment, especially and most importantly, because we have been directed to do so by 
Congress.  In particular, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires that the FCC determine whether 
“advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely 
fashion.”  As a general matter, I support the Commission's effort to ask many questions and to seek more 
granular data.  Nevertheless, my support for this inquiry should not be construed as an endorsement of 
any particular reference to the Sixth Broadband Deployment Report released on July 20 of this year.  I am 
concerned that the report’s conclusions may be used to promote and support a regulatory agenda that 
could have the unintended effect of slowing further deployment, usage, investment, and job creation.  
As for this fresh inquiry, I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that America 
continues on its impressive path of proliferating broadband across the nation.  In particular, I welcome the 
opportunity to review any comments that are filed in this docket that indicate areas where FCC action 
could unintentionally impede or slow down deployment.