Report: America Needs More Open-Access, Middle-Mile Networks
The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society has released a policy report that breaks down why open-access, middle-mile networks can help close the digital divide in multiple geographic contexts.
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A new report from the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society argues for more federal support of open-access, middle-mile (OAMM) networks, which “can help the nation meet its deployment and competition challenges.”
By definition, an OAMM network will allow any Internet service provider (ISP) to connect to it, “on nondiscriminatory terms and conditions,” in order to provide last-mile solutions to homes and businesses. Economically, the idea is to encourage fair competition and reduce costs for companies so that credible business plans can be made for connecting unserved areas.