We have recently seen reports on the sorry state of broadband network access in the United States (New Broadband Report and Two More Stories About Broadband). Now, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released an official view of the state of broadband in the U.S in which it emphasizes the fact that things aren't as bad as they used to be and calls that progress. It says that "America’s consumers are now reaping the rewards of the Administration’s pro-investment, deregulatory policies..."

• Networked Nation: Broadband In America 2007, National Telecommunications And Information Administration, United States Department of Commerce, January 2008

The report says that "broadband availability and subscribership have increased dramatically" but ignores the fact that the U.S. has fallen from fourth to 15th in the world in broadband penetration. This is pure politics, it ignores reality, and does nothing to help us move forward.

The report says, "...the Administration has implemented a comprehensive and integrated package of technology, regulatory, and fiscal policies designed to lower barriers and create an environment in which broadband innovation and competition can flourish. The results have been striking." "Strikingly bad" is how most of the recent independent reports would describe the results.

• We have a broadband strategy? Bush administration says "yes" in cheerleading report, By Nate Anderson, ars technica, January 31, 2008
• Ignoring Reality, Bush Declares Broadband Mission Accomplished, press release, Free Press, January 31, 2008

More here.