Broadband Network Deployment Slows in the U.S.

The promise of broadband in the United States has always been high, but a more accurate--if less optimistic--reality is beginning to settle in. In April, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released its broadband network deployment numbers and the findings are less than positive: the United States is falling further behind other developed countries in broadband deployment. The U.S. now ranks 15th among the OECD's 30 member countries in broadband deployment at the end of 2006 and ranks 20th in terms of growth rate of broadband penetration. It appears that the Federal Communications Commission is pretty surprised by these numbers as well. The government agency is taking a closer look at "net neutrality" and is determining whether or not large carriers should prioritize voice and data traffic for some customers over others.

For more on the state of broadband in the United States:
- see this article in InformationWeek