This week, the FCC broadband workshop series examined the important issue of benchmarking broadband.  Panelists representing industry, consumers, minorities and more, discussed the various metrics needed to assess where we are now and chart progress moving forward.

Panelists were in agreement that this is not a simple task.  Different stakeholders want to measure different things, and many metrics are not yet standardized.  Deployment, adoption and speed are obvious benchmarks.  Other yardsticks discussed include social and economic benefits, price and peak traffic periods.  The possibilities are endless, but the resources are not.

Richard Clarke, Assistant VP of Policy at AT&T, urged the FCC to optimize the usefulness of benchmarks by prioritizing metrics that yield accurate, relevant insights into the nation’s policy goals and consumer welfare.  Clarke also cautioned against misleading international benchmarks that yield apples-and-oranges comparisons due to numerous variables in data (i.e. different household sizes, population density, etc).

Catherine Sandoval, a Professor at Santa Clara University Law School was the most vocal on behalf of minorities.  She urged the FCC to ensure those who speak other languages or don’t have access to bank accounts are included in whatever metrics are developed.  Otherwise, she said, critical information would be missing.  Sandoval also believes the FCC should focus on services, in addition to speed.

The goal of the meeting was to use data to help enable a broadband world for both today’s and tomorrow’s applications.  FCC Chairman Genachowski has made clear his commitment to data-driven decision-making.  Now it’s on to the hard work of not only delivering accurate, insightful measurements—but meaningful results for all Americans as we advance the broadband future.

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