Congress has granted the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) a one-month extension on filing a national broadband plan in conjunction with funding for broadband mapping and extension of service through the Recovery Act. The plan is expected to lay the foundation for improving wireless delivery of broadband throughout the country, particularly to rural areas that currently have limited access.

FCC officials say the additional time will allow them to gather more input from stakeholders and to brief congressional committees regarding the plan. The new date for filing the plan is March 17. The FCC has held more than 50 public workshops and hearings regarding the issue.