The Bureau focuses on broadband connections to the consumer, including connections provided using digital subscriber lines, fiber-based broadband services and broadband over power lines. The Bureau seeks to fulfill the Commission’s mission to promote competition in broadband markets and remove barriers to investment in broadband infrastructure. To this end, the Bureau has implemented measures to:

• Promote technological neutrality by establishing regulatory symmetry among all providers of broadband services, including wireline providers and cable modem providers. [FCC Actions]
  
  
• Increase the incentive for companies to invest in broadband networks by substantially relieving them of obligations to unbundle fiber networks. [FCC Actions]
  
  
• Preserve and promote the vibrant and open character of the Internet as the communications marketplace advances in the broadband age. [FCC Actions]
  
  
• Speed deployment of Internet Protocol-based services, such as voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) by asserting interstate jurisdiction, among other measures. [FCC Actions]
  

The Wireline Bureau also tracks the deployment of broadband services in industry reports and drafts periodic reports to Congress under Section 706.

In addition, the Bureau manages the Schools and Libraries program, which provides discounts for telecommunications services, including broadband Internet connections, to many of the nation’s schools and libraries. The program also provides discounts for the installation of internal networks in schools and libraries.