The FCC has ordered up a study on broadband deployment and usage worldwide, to provide another set of data for its formulation of a national broadband policy.

The organization given the task of creating the report is the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University. The center will review existing literature and studies about broadband deployment and usage throughout the world.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said: “The Berkman Center’s independent review of existing information will help lay the foundation for enlightened, data-driven decision-making. I appreciate the Berkman Center’s invaluable assistance and look forward to seeing the results.”

Blair Levin, who is coordinating the FCC’s National Broadband Plan, said: “We don’t want to reinvent the wheel. Knowing what has already been learned will improve our ability to deliver the best possible National Broadband Plan.”