Broadband Task Force

(BTF)

Broadband, Internet access providers and manufacturers are an important part of IMCC because the provision of these services are important for PCOs and MDUs. Numerous companies that specialize in Broadband have joined IMCC.  A Broadband Task Force (BTF) to address issues that are of greatest importance to these members and their businesses has been initiated at IMCC.

In the past we have had several task forces to address different issues, some attaining considerable success.  In fact, back when the ISP bubble was bursting we had a task force to explore how PCOs and MDUs could deal with the predicament.  That group was not so successful.  I think some time had to pass before a new generation of companies could rise from the ashes.  That clearly is happening. 

My view is that the BTF could address both public policy issues and business issues.  For instance, regarding public policy, several members have mentioned the same issue.  That is, that copyright laws and application by the Motion Picture Association of America and the Recording Industry Association of America impose burdensome responsibilities on Broadband providers for which compliance is difficult and expensive.  In the business arena, we can do more to communicate with MDU owners about the opportunities you offer.  Perhaps these and other issues could be addressed by the BTF.

Please remember, it is BTF members that will determine the issues to be pursued.  It is your industry and I am here to help you succeed.

I envision a series of conference calls to determine who is interested in working on these matters, to identify priorities and to adopt means of accomplishing tasks.  If you want to be included, please contact IMCC and you will be included.  Your specific suggestions of what we should do and how we should do it will also be useful.

The first issues the BTF will address are as follows:

Public Policy

• Copy right, Peer-to-peer file sharing

• SPAM Elimination

• Taxation of the Internet Access

Business

• How do we educate more MDUs about the benefits provided by our Broadband Companies