BROADBAND PLAN GETS FAVORABLE RECEPTION ON CAPITOL HILL

摘要

House Democrats endorsed the FCC's National Broadband Plan just ahead of its officialnrelease. House Republicans gave conditional praise, saying they're watching closely.nChairman Rick Boucher, D-Va., of the Communications Subcommittee said he believesnlegislation would be needed to carry out the plan's recommendations to revamp the UniversalnService Fund, build a public safety wireless network and identify lightly used spectrum.nBoucher's subcommittee plans a hearing on the plan March 25, and the FCC commissionersnare invited to testify, said House Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif. The SenatenCommerce Committee may have a hearing March 23, said Senate and industry officials.nOverall, the FCC "has done an excellent job in fulfilling the directions" Congress gave in thenstimulus law, Boucher said.