The Effect of Satellite and Wireless on Rural Universal Service Policy
It is now possible to obtain 3Mbps or faster rates of data transfer practically anywhere, either over 4G cellular wireless, or over satellite. The National Broadband Map, commissioned by the Federal Communications Commission, shows that more than 99.9 percent of Americans have access to some form of broadband with download speed in excess of 3 Mbps. In many rural areas, such services can be delivered at significantly lower cost than through new cable or fiber lines. As a result, no more subsidies for rural broadband are needed.