In spite of the fact that the recent appeals court ruling in Comcast case has gone against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – raising questions about the FCC’s clout in regulating the Internet -, the agency confirmed on Thursday that it intends pursuing its National Broadband Plan (NBP).

In a Thursday statement, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said the decision of the court “does not change our broadband policy goals, or the ultimate authority of the FCC to act to achieve those goals. The court did not question the FCC's goals; it merely invalidated one technical, legal mechanism for broadband policy chosen by prior commissions.”

With the NBP on its way to implementation, the FCC Web site shows a chart-type list of 60 action items that require completion by the agency, so as to foster the realization of its 2010 broadband agenda – which includes the goal of making 100 Mbps download speeds accessible to 100 million US homes over the next ten years.

The NBP will also encourage innovation, investment and competition and consumer interest in broadband; as well as provide a platform for improving energy consumption and monitoring, health care, and education.

Looking to begin addressing the items from as early as its April 21-scheduled next open meeting, the first two items that the FCC will consider are - improvements to the Universal Service Fund, and an analysis of competition in the cable set-top box arena.