Broadband Adoption Urged

WASHINGTON -- Wireless is the way to bring broadband to all Americans by 2007, say Federal Communications Commission panelists considering how to make the president's broadband plan reality.

Rural markets, which are chronically underserved, are particularly well suited to wireless broadband, the panelists agreed at a Wednesday forum. Also on the checklist: More spectrum, lower costs, and universal standards to help bring greater access.

Progress, Plans Cited

The panelists envision an America where wireless Internet goes everywhere you do, with faster connections and more accessibility.

President George W. Bush has called for universal and affordable access to broadband Internet service by 2007. He contends the technology will enhance information flow and spark innovation.

Panelists congratulated the FCC on its work over the past year to improve the regulatory environment that enables new technologies to grow, and implored the agency to continue on that path.

"I call the golden triangle: technological improvements, companies continuing to invest, and the FCC moving to create an environment that fosters these innovations," said Pierre de Vries, a chief of incubation for Microsoft. "It's the golden triangle because it's technology, business, and policy framework working together."

Education Urged

Still, lack of consumer education may be hampering the spread of new technologies, according to Brian Markwalter, a senior director at the Consumer Electronics Association. The turnover in retail stores creates a barrier between the manufacturer trying to sell products and the customer looking to understand and buy new products, he said. He cited HDTV as an example of a new technology that consumers still misunderstand, noting that salespeople aren't adequately trained to inform customers of the technological options available to them.

A low level of consumer interest or knowledge of applications requiring broadband is the reason behind England's low level of broadband users, noted Valarie Holt, a consultant and advisor with the British firm Reciva. Only 50 percent of the United Kingdom is Internet enabled, she said.

Holt hopes Internet Radio, a recently introduced product expected to be very popular, will prompt people in remote areas who wouldn't usually think about paying for Internet services to now consider the technology.