/ Source: The Associated Press
The Federal Communications Commission is launching its effort to encourage the expansion of high-speed Internet connections in the country.
The FCC was ordered to create such a plan as part of the economic stimulus package passed this year.
At an open meeting in Washington on Wednesday, the commission put out a request for comments from the public and industry. The FCC will assemble its plan by next February.
During the Bush administration, Democrats and Internet advocates called on the government to take a more hands-on approach to speed adoption of broadband. Internet service providers, meanwhile, have stressed that freedom from regulation gives them incentive to invest.