The Christian Science Monitor has published an editorial today on the FCC’s forthcoming national broadband plan recommendations. The editorial highlights the challenge of getting every business and home connected to high-speed Internet access while simultaneously fostering competition in the private sector:

On an issue this critical to America’s economy, the government is right to set a goal. But the job is far too costly for the feds to tackle alone, and not necessarily best handled by Washington.  Multiple roadblocks stand in the way of wider broadband adoption. They illustrate how hard it would be for the federal government to remove them.

Based on a national survey, the FCC reports that 36 percent of Americans who don’t subscribe to broadband cite cost factors. About a fifth don’t understand the technology and have concerns about privacy and content. Another fifth say they have no interest. Only 4 percent said broadband isn’t available.

So what should the FCC’s role be? Primarily, to encourage competition so that prices come down and service and speed improve. And, in a business where wireless connectivity is the rage, to make sure spectrum is available. It must also provide incentives for companies to connect to remote, rural areas.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has said the need is to “unleash investment, promote innovation, promote competition.” His plan must do that.

You can read the full editorial here.