First and foremost, NoChokepoints congratulates Chairman Julius Genachowski and the Federal Communications Commission on the release of its historic National Broadband Plan, which is so critical to the future of our networked economy and U.S. global competitiveness.  Our members, which represent the lifeblood of the nation’s broadband economy, are extremely encouraged by the Plan’s recognition of the fundamental importance of special access services to broadband deployment and accessibility.  The Plan raises the issue of special access in several discussions, noting overall that ‘special access circuits play a significant role in the availability and pricing of broadband service’ and are ‘critical inputs in the provision of fixed and mobile broadband services in rural America.’  Finally, and importantly, in referencing the work the Commission has already completed in its Public Notice on data collection on these markets, the Plan also directs that the ‘FCC should act on these proceedings.’  
 
We could not agree more, we look forward to a formal data request in short order that will enable the Commission to address this market failure, and stand ready to help Chairman Genachowski and his team make a true, broadband America a reality.