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a m e r i c a ’ s P l a n c H a P t e r 1 7 thIs plan Is In beta, and always wIll be. like the Internet itself, this plan will always be changing—adjusting to new developments in technologies and markets, reflecting new realities and evolving to realize previously unfore- seen opportunities. 17.1 IMPLEMENTATION The plan is both a “noun” and a “verb.”1 Of course, the “noun”—the March 2010 version of this plan—will be forever available, pre- served deep in caches and crawled by search engines. The “verb,” More than 20 other nations have published national broad- though, will be forever alive—updated regularly and driven by new band plans. Their implementation efforts highlight the data, analysis and scenarios that the “noun” could not foresee.2 importance of a long-term commitment and coordination Implementation of this National Broadband Plan requires across multiple institutions. a long-term commitment to measuring progress and adjust- ing programs and policies to improve performance. It requires international Lessons periodic assessments of where the country stands in broadband Many countries have depended on long-term and high-level deployment, adoption and utilization; in competition across coordination and collaboration efforts across government to networks, devices and applications; and in how effectively na- implement their broadband plans. For example, in the mid- tional priorities embrace the power of broadband. 1990s South Korea created a durable structure for long-term But evaluation is not an excuse for paralysis. Actions and broadband policy planning by passing a law requiring publica- their results matter most to capturing the opportunities broad- tion of a national broadband strategy every five years (along band presents. with annual implementation plans).3 Since then, South Korea This plan recommends significant action by the Federal has published three master plans, some with multiple versions.4 Communications Commission (FCC), the Executive Branch and The statutory obligation to produce new plans every five years Congress and a strong partnership among all broadband stake- has ensured that successive political administrations have holders. Federal action is necessary, but state, local and Tribal made broadband a national priority. governments, corporations and community-based organizations South Korea’s Prime Minster chairs the Informatization must all do their part to build a high-performance America. Promotion Committee (IPC), the entity responsible for implementing South Korea’s broadband plans.5 The IPC’s RECOMMENDATIONS thereby fostering intragovernmental coordination.6 Membermembership includes 24 ministerial-level representatives, ministries submit annual implementation plans to the IPC ➤ The Executive Branch should create a Broadband Strategy for approval.7 Council to coordinate the implementation of National Broad- Japan provides another example of successful long-term band Plan recommendations. implementation. Japan created an IT Strategy Headquarters ➤ The FCC should quickly publish a timetable of proceedings to to oversee the execution of its broadband strategies, beginning implement plan recommendations within its authority, pub- with the e-Japan Strategy of 2001.8 Japan’s Prime Minister lish an evaluation of plan progress and effectiveness as part chairs the IT Strategy Headquarters. It also is composed of of the annual Section 706 Advanced Services Inquiry, create ministers across agencies with responsibility for broadband a Broadband Data Depository and continue to utilize Broad- policy.9 The IT Strategy Headquarters conducts an annual band.gov as a public resource for broadband information. review of broadband policy priorities and directs the imple- ➤ The FCC should publish a Broadband Performance Dash- mentation of plan recommendations by government agencies, board with metrics designed to track broadband plan goals. local governments and independent institutions.10 The United Kingdom has also established a high-level coordinating body to implement broadband strategy. In June 2009, the U.K. government published Digital Britain, its first broadband plan.11 Soon after Digital Britain was published, the U.K. government published an implementation plan providing for a cross-agency coordination staff and a dedicated legislative F e d e r a l c o m m u n i c a t i o n s c o m m i s s i o n | n a t i o n a l b r o a d b a n d P l a n 3 3 3