While President Obama was busy attempting to get his plan for a national health care system rolling, those folks at the FCC announced they will unveil their National Broadband Plan — which will provide Internet access to 93 million Americans who can’t currently look at home videos of cats — to Congress on March 17.

“In the 21st century, a digital divide is an opportunity divide,” FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement. “To bolster American competitiveness abroad and create the jobs of the future here at home, we need to make sure that all Americans have the skills and means to fully participate in the digital economy.”

The U.S. currently ranks far behind other world powers in terms of widespread access to broadband Internet access. According to the FCC’s own research, cost is the main impediment to getting online with millions unable to afford either a computer or monthly broadband subscription fees.

Expect the FCC to release more details of their plan in the coming weeks as they prepare to take it before Congress.

US to unveil broadband plan Mar 17, sees barriers [Reuters]

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