Chairman Pai has said that "one of the first things" the Committee will tackle is drafting a "model code for broadband deployment," covering local franchising, zoning, permitting and rights-of-way regulations, for Commission consideration. An FCC-approved model code could help communities design more conducive regulatory environments for broadband deployment, helping improve the business case for providers to build-out in networks in areas without the resources or expertise in next-generation networks.
The creation of this Committee comes shortly after the release of the Broadband Opportunity Council Progress Report, which documents an inter-agency council's (Council) progress of completing nearly half of 36 executive actions by 25 Cabinet-level and federal agencies to increase broadband deployment, competition and adoption. Many of the actions include expanded program eligibility for broadband under various Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice, Department of Treasury, Department of Health and Human Services, National Science Foundation and Economic Development Administration funding programs. While the Council continues its efforts at the Cabinet-level, this new Committee will now have the authority to reform current FCC rules and regulations that can impede infrastructure investment. Coordination will be needed amongst the two groups to bridge the digital divide and promote investment in broadband deployment.
According to a Commission Public Notice, the Commission is now accepting nominations for membership on the Committee, which will operate according the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). Under FACA, meetings shall be open to the public with timely bodice of the meetings published in the Federal Register. The Commission seeks nominations from representatives of the communications industry, state and local regulators, and consumer and community organizations that wish to be considered for membership. Specifically, the Commission seeks nominations and expressions of interest from: