Citizen-focused Telecom Policy
An experiment in participatory policy development
Many consumer advocates are concerned national telecommunications policies do not faithfully serve the best interests of America's citizens and communities. These critics maintain that for years, well-funded industry lobbies have exerted far too much influence on federal policymakers.*
But lately there are hopeful omens for federal telecom policy, including recently appointed FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's declaration of commitment to "Creating a Connected America"...
"A world-leading broadband infrastructure in America can be an ongoing engine for innovation and job creation throughout the country, from our rural towns to our inner cities, while helping address vital national challenges such as public safety and education, health care and energy independence—ultimately helping give all of our country’s children the future we dream for them."
The President's call for open government is starting to influence FCC operations and policymaking.
Broadband.gov is the FCC's (beta) website for an innovative new effort to increase public input and participation in developing a National Broadband Plan.
[Note: this is not the same as BroadbandUSA.gov, the official site for broadband stimulus information and applications.]
* The distrusting attitude of many consumers surfaces in common complaints like: "The FCC doesn't listen or care about average Americans. To them we're nothing more than 'consumers' to be managed for greater corporate profit."
Unfortunately, consumer complaints alone are rarely sufficient to make policymakers overcome political realities:
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telecom corporations are chartered to return profits for equity shareholders' investments
- they provide skilled representatives and ample budgets to pursue their business interests
- influencing government policymaking is very often a fundamental corporate priority
- elected officials commonly pay more campaign costs than their total salary while in office
- most officials will be inclined to consider views of supporters who help them win elections
- appointed officials are similarly likely to be responsive to officeholders who appointed them
On the other hand, private citizens don't have the direct profit motivation of corporate lobbies and are much less likely to be major contributors to political campaigns, which can give them less influence on policymakers.
So what's the answer?