Wireless Siting Changes Key to Accelerating Adoption of Broadband-Enabled Healthcare, WIA Says
Groups again raised themes from previous proceedings in response to an FCC request for comments (see 1705250035) on what would accelerate adoption and accessibility of broadband-enabled healthcare solutions. Replies were due Thursday in docket 16-46, and some filings were made…
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early (see 1706080060). “The Commission should focus its efforts on accelerating broadband deployment by continuing to remove barriers to the siting of wireless broadband infrastructure,” the Wireless Infrastructure Association replied. “By removing barriers to the deployment of infrastructure like distributed antennas systems (DAS) and small cells and encouraging an environment of rapid upgrades and installation of equipment on traditional macrocellular infrastructure through collocation, the FCC can facilitate greater coverage and capacity.” Communication Service for the Deaf stressed the importance of accessibility. “In part due to the speed with which the telemedicine industry is expanding, we urge the Commission to reinforce the need for telemedicine technology to be designed in accordance with the principles of universal design, to ensure the accessibility of such technology,” the group said. “Because telemedicine can be, and is, used in urgent care or life threatening situations, it is crucial that accessibility be a foresight in the development process, and not an aftersight.” The Health IT Now coalition said if employers follow through with plans, telehealth adoption in the employer market could reach 92 percent by 2018. Universal broadband deployment is critical, the coalition said. "Doctors, patients, and the public in general are increasingly reliant on smartphones and tablets.”