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In sync with the Obama administration’s start, in earnest, of allocating billions of dollars toward broadband access to underserved areas, the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission outlined a major undertaking for the federal agency: making affordable high-speed Internet available to all U.S. citizens.

 

Julius Genachowski (News - Alert) is the head of a federal agency that has become more critical to the nation’s economy and quality of life as Internet communications, VoIP and other technologies have become more advanced, cheaper and more widespread.

 

Genachowski confirmed his commitment to widespread Internet access, saying the Web has been perhaps “the most successful driver of economic growth” in the nation, the Wall Street Journal reported.

 

During the 2008 presidential campaign, President Obama talked often about expanding broadband Internet access, and, as president, he signed into law the $787-billion stimulus bill this year that includes $7.2 billion to do that, the LA Times reported. The Commerce and Agriculture departments will distribute the grants.

 

In a speech earlier this month, Genachowski said: “Congress has tasked the FCC (News - Alert) with developing a National Broadband Plan for America – a plan to accelerate economic growth, create jobs and spur innovation, connect small businesses so that they can compete everywhere, improve educational opportunities, help deliver better health care and cleaner energy at lower cost, and extend the benefits of the broadband revolution to our police and fire-fighters who depend upon communications for protecting their own safety and ours.”

 

Genachowski urged U.S. citizens to become involved in the process.

 

“Over the next few months the FCC will host a national discussion about the design of this plan – around the country and online. Please get involved. Tell us about the needs of your community and your hopes and aspirations for the National Broadband Plan. This is about those who we risk leaving behind if we don’t pursue a national broadband strategy,” he said.

 

On June 25, the Senate confirmed Genachowski as head of the Federal Communications Commission.

 

“This bureau will play a pivotal role in promoting innovation, competition, job creation and investment in the wireless sector,” Genachowski said in an FCC statement. “I am delighted to have a Wireless Telecommunications Bureau team with the expertise to help seize the opportunity for the United States to lead the world in mobile communications.”