Getting Everyone Plugged into Broadband

November 11, 2009

It’s a good sign that the government is finally addressing broadband issues in our country. Unfortunately, everything these days seems to be framed around politics and ideology, red or blue, left or right, R or D. Some so-called pundits have already figured out the next wave of political fortunes — just based on the elections this week in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey – and what that will mean to proposed policies and ideas.

Changing lives and creating hope, and embracing the full power of broadband access, should not be hijacked by politics. It is a goal that transcends partisanship. I was reminded of that this week, thanks to a column in the Houston Chronicle. David Cohen of Comcast and Rey Ramsey of One Economy Corp. point out that only 63 percent of Americans subscribe to broadband at home. “Recent studies show that a staggering number of senior citizens, minorities, disabled and non-English speakers are unconnected. Broadband can improve our health care, our education, our productivity and make us all more connected — but that’s only for the plugged-in,” they write.

I encourage you to read the column and see how broadband has changed lives in Detroit and Houston, and even the last paragraph has a lesson we need more than ever. “This, we think, is the secret to promoting broadband adoption — showing the unconnected just how dramatically broadband can change their lives, both professionally and personally. And that’s a goal behind which Democrats, Republicans and independents can rally.”

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/6701785.html

Once you read this then the next step is to get involve by attending the FCC workshop online that will address underserved communities.

“Attend the workshop online!” I wonder exactly when that phrase entered our lives. It is powerful. There was a time when attending a conference meant a big investment, plane tickets, hotels, time out of the office, time away from family. For young visionaries, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and leaders of cash-strapped communities, it was often a burden. Broadband has changed that.

I encourage everyone to attend or watch the workshop the FCC is conducting Dec. 9^th on, “Lessons for the National Broadband Plan for Local Officials Representing Underserved Communities” in Washington, DC. This is the next meeting in the ongoing FCC Broadband Workshop series. In addition to participating individually, encourage your city, state and community leaders to send a representative or, of course, participate online. Let them know that broadband access is important to you, but even more important to the children and students in your community. The FCC is also accepting comments and questions from the public, so submit suggestions here.

To register for the workshop in advance, or view the webinar on the day of the event, visit http://www.broadband.gov/ws_underserved_communities.html

If your reading this, then you can be there!

Category: Trends, web 2.0 | Tags: broadband, obama

Roderick Frizzelle

Great Post.. we need more of this type of info out here, so we all can spread the message and get our communities more involved...

billyoblivion

"Once you read this then the next step is to get involve by attending the FCC workshop online that will address undeserved communities."

ITYM "undeRserved communities", unless that was a really nasty Freudian slip.

When "broadband" in major cities can be had for free at a local library, or for VERY low cost (I think we're paying 30 a month for our access in the US--less than 2 cases of Bud Light), this is NOT something the FCC and the USG need to get involved in.

Some people just flat out don't want it. My mother (one of the geriatric set) went out and spent Five or Six hundred dollars on a laptop, then got internet access on the $29.95 with the phone service plan. Canceled it after some ridiculously short period of time. Seems the woman would rather sleep 11 hours a night than spend any of that time on the internet.

I'm CLEARLY adopted.

But seriously, do we REALLY need the government--especially the federal goverment--taking care of our every want and need?

jesuisme

Billy,

I agree that waiting on the government for help is a poor tactic. The chronic problems in our community must be solved by the community.

The reality is that Internet access is now a utility -- like having good streets, sewage access, and electricity. As such, the government is obligated to regulate and standardize its application so that having broadband access isn't subject to the whims of a single telecom company in your area. People can always choose to not have access.

In addition, broadband data speeds are significantly slower in the US than many other nations. The issue will be addressed more quickly if the government steps in to stop the bickering that has prevented speed increases.

What really bothers me about government regulation is that it will likely take a couple of attempts to get the structure right and it will become a partisan issue. It will also mean taxes on access.

MIB

Billy, your question is a bit of a straw man. But as it applies to the deployment of high-speed Internet across America, the answer is 'yes', gov't involvement -- on the local, state, and Federal levels -- is critical to consumers' access and the industry's posterity. As jesuisme pointed out, the Internet (as well as telephone service, generally speaking) is a de facto utility today in America and should be treated thusly. Let's not forget that telecoms and ISPs require public rights-of-way re: cable and radio frequencies in order to exist.