The Lexington, Ky.-based National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) has issued its support for the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recently released National Broadband Plan. The plan would include Universal Service Fund (USF) financing for broadband expansion, expansion of e-government secure authentication and online service delivery, deployment of a nationwide, interoperable mobile public safety broadband network and the transition to Next Generation 911.

NASCIO President and Utah CIO Steve Fletcher commended the FCC for "recognizing and addressing the important role that states play in the deployment and adoption of broadband." "NASCIO is also pleased that the FCC is making recommendations in the plan that will emphasize the need for first responders to have access to a public safety communication system," Fletcher said in a statement.

NASCIO will continue analyzing the plan and will issue comments on individual elements or recommendations in the plan as that review continues, according to Fletcher's statement. Read Fletcher's statement. To read the plan and learn more from the FCC, visit www.broadband.gov/plan.