New Satellite Technology Expands Access to High-Quality Broadband Service
Congress has entrusted the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with the important task of closing the digital divide and ensuring that all Americans have access to high-quality, high-speed broadband service. Broadband access is necessary—now more than ever—for Americans to fully participate in modern life, including employment, education, healthcare, and other opportunities.
Congress’s recent historic investment in broadband deployment funding through the creation of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and other funding mechanisms, combined with the FCC’s ongoing broadband funding efforts through its universal service fund (USF) programs, creates a unique opportunity to achieve this goal. Even with this new infusion of funding, however, reaching the most rural and insular locations will be impossible without a full range of broadband access technologies.
Hughes recently announced the launch of Hughesnet® Fusion plans in select areas within the U.S. further expanding options for high-speed, low-latency satellite service to meet consumers’ needs. This hybrid offering combines the advantages of workhorse Geostationary (GEO) satellite broadband technology with terrestrial wireless broadband technology to deliver a high-speed, low-latency internet connection. With multipath technology, Fusion plans minimize latency for a fast and responsive experience with added reliability.
Cost-effective, high-quality broadband alternatives like Hughesnet Fusion are essential to state and federal government efforts to “ensure the deployment of service to all unserved locations” and prioritize any remaining funds to underserved locations and community anchor institutions, respectively.[1] Hughesnet Fusion will be an important alternative for those formulating plans to complete the work of closing the digital divide. While technologies such as fiber have many advantages, they will be too costly to reach the goal of full deployment in some of the most high-cost, low-density areas of the country. Additionally, these technologies will take years to deploy. Hughes looks forward to continuing to work with NTIA, the FCC, and state broadband officials to bring the promise of broadband to all Americans.
[1] NTIA, BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity at § IV.B.7.b.1 (emphasis added).