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.

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?